Reverend Jesse Eguia Moreno was carried away by the angels on Wednesday August 07, 2024. Jesse Moreno was born in a barn near San Antonio, Texas on February 20, 1930. Jesse’s family is originally from Matehaula, Mexico. One of the first in his family to be born in the United States, Jesse joined the United States Army at 17, and proudly served in the Korean War. He married his first love, Olivia Andrada Moreno on September 20, 1953, and remained married to her for over 70 years. From this union seven children were born, Sylvia (Jose) Acosta, David Moreno, Diana (Miguel) Segura, Pastor Yolanda (Pastor Todd) Redden, Lydia (Tom) George, Anna (Robert) Jaso and Jesse (Michelle) Moreno. In addition, he leaves 14 grandchildren, Stephanie Acosta, Joey Acosta, Erica Colon, Raquel Colon, Robert Colon, Todd Redden, Joshua Redden, Monica Redden, Christa George, Ciara Jaso, Elijah Jaso, Brandon Moreno, Blake Avila, Clarissa Moreno and two great grandchildren, Justin Smith, and Narisara Donaldson to cherish his memory; along with sisters Rebecca Vasquez, Esther Hernandez, Norma Salas, and Ruth Ybarra. He is preceded in death by his mother Natividad Eguia Moreno and father Encarnacion Moreno. His brothers and sisters Gil Moreno, Abraham Moreno, Eleazar Moreno, Cristina Rios, Rachel Resendez, and Natividad Moreno
Jesse was a migrant farm worker until he became one of the first Latino factory workers at Libbey Owens Ford where he worked for 36 years. Jesse and Olivia were founding members of First Spanish Church of God in 1959 where it continues today on Toledo’s east side. Jesse went on to pastor the church with Olivia in 1978 for 30 years. Their leadership nurtured the spiritual growth of countless individuals and served as a beacon of hope and guidance for the community. The Church serves to those who speak Spanish as a primary language. In addition to their pastoral duties, they demonstrated unparalleled compassion by visiting people in hospitals and prisons weekly (4,680 times), offering comfort and support to those in need.
More importantly, Jesse was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a true patriarch whose faith in God led his family through many trials and tribulations. Jesse served as an example to all he met on how to trust in God during good times and bad. He instilled a devotion to God and family in his children. His humble childhood shaped an appreciation for education that is carried on through his children and grandchildren.
Heaven applauds Jesse and we that call him Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Friend, Teacher, and Pastor will miss him, but rejoice as he meets Jesus. “His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at First Spanish Church of God. Entombment: Restlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be directed to First Spanish Church of God. Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home assisted the family with services.