Reverend Jose A. Banuelos, loving husband, brother, father, grandfather great-grandfather and pastor passed away on May 24, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was 86 years old.
Jose began to preach the gospel at a very young age and was ordained under the Assemblies of God in the Republic of Mexico and then with the Central Latin American District Assemblies of God in the United States. While traveling throughout Mexico, he and his missionary partner planted the seeds of the Gospel in various towns and rural areas, in which are now thriving churches. In one specific town, he built a small one-room building to start a church (Mount Calvary) in Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico. This church has grown exceedingly and has branched out into 10 additional churches. It is there that he met Luz Elena, his first convert, they were married two years later and had been married for 63 years. In 1974, he started his ministry in the United States, pastoring churches in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.
Throughout his ministry of over 63 years, Jose reached many people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1977, Jose and his lovely wife Luz Elena and their five children made their home in Price, Utah. He was an inspiration and guide to his children. Because of his love, guidance, teaching and sacrifices he made for them, his children have lived their lives filled of God’s blessings, mercy, and grace.
Jose was born after the great depression and revolutionary wars in Mexico. This caused a hardship on the family which helped him to develop a strong faith and work ethic that would carry him through decades of ministry in Mexico, and the United States.
He had a message to share with everyone and it was that, “Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, died on a cross, and rose again and whosoever believed in Him, repented of their sins and lived a righteous life, would have everlasting life with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
While his primary focus was to preach the Gospel, he also provided spiritual counsel to pastors and church members. He was instrumental in leading some of his church members in transitioning into the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jose stated that, “As I look at my past and I observe my triumphs, hardships and errors, I can come to the realization of how great the mercy of God is whom forgives me, lifts me up once more, and inspires me to continue in his mission and this life until I am either resurrected or raptured to be with my Savior Jesus Christ.” He experienced many of God’s miracles of healing throughout his life, healing from critical surgeries, two strokes and COVID.
He spoke to people of all ethnicities preaching in both Spanish and English. There was not one person he would not help when needed. He was a very humble, compassionate and a very devoted servant.
Throughout his life, Jose was faithful and devoted to his calling. He was loved by the many members of the churches that he pastored. Jose preached his last message to his last congregation at the age of 80, at which time he retired as pastor. He continued to preach until the age of 83 in other churches he was invited to. He authored three books towards the end of his ministry.
He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. He was a man that loved with his whole heart, encouraged with the word of God, inspired with his faith and left a legacy with his dedication to God and his life.
Jose is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years; sister, Bertha Hernandez; children, Jonathan (Francis) Banuelos, Delia Banuelos, Lucy (Mark) Peters, Elizabeth (Todd) Totman, Denise (Cody) Smith; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Jose is preceded in death by his son, Hector; mother, Maria; father, Manuel Banuelos; brothers, Gabriel, Manuel and Guillermo; sisters, Evangelina and Socorro; three grandchildren, Chelsea, Pete Ron and Dellsie Paletta.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
Funeral service, Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at the Price First Baptist Church located on 200 North and 300 East in Price, Utah. An evening service will be Friday, May 31, 2024, 7:00 p.m. at the church where friends are welcome to join the family Friday and Saturday one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Cliffview Cemetery in Price. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home in Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Reverend Banuelos online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.