Jesus Rangel, 96, entered eternal rest on Thursday December 9, 2021.

He was born in Laredo, Texas on September 12, 1925, and was a lifelong resident. He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend.

Jesus Rangel enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 724 ^th Railway Operation Battalion during which time, he played baseball to raise morale. The 724 ^th Battalion were champions of the European Theater. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Laredo and organized a semi-pro baseball team in the Canta Ranas neighborhood. He was an active volunteer in the Winter Baseball league, International Baseball League, Rio Bravo League, and the Parish League. From 1959-1964 he served as the coach for Day Lions Club in the National Little League.

He continuously campaigned for the advancement of baseball in Laredo and in 1968 he applied for a Little League charter for Del Mar and had been involved ever since. He attributed the success of the Del Mar League to the countless volunteers that devoted their time and talents. He was known as Mr. Little League Baseball and the Father of Little League in Laredo. He was presented countless awards for his tireless efforts for the De Mar Little League and eventually inducted to the Laredo Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame on January 19, 2002.

He began his career as a Federal Civilian employee in 1954 with the Department of the Air Force at the Laredo Air Force Base. He was the Chief of Freight when the base closed in 1973. After, he began working at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and retired in 1976 after 27 years of service. In Laredo, he worked for the City of Laredo Housing Authority until his retirement in 1989.

Jesus Rangel was married to Alicia Garcia for 59 years before her death on October 19, 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eluterio and Tomasa Rangel. His beloved wife, Alicia Garcia Rangel. Brothers, Manuel Rangel, Meliton (Anita) Rangel, Guadalupe (Elaine) Rangel and Higinio (Lucinda) Rangel. Brother-in-Law, Roberto Cazares and Guadalupe Treviño.

He is survived by his children, Jesus Rangel Jr, Belinda Rangel Bravo and Dubelza Rangel Williams, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, sister Micaela Cazares, sister Maria Elena Treviño, Sister-in-Law Celia Rangel, along with many relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. at San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin departing the funeral home chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m.  at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Committal services and interment will follow at the Veteran's section of the Laredo City Cemetery.