Jose Adalid Verastegui

February 20, 1934 – June 1, 2026

Reverend Jose Adalid Verastegui, a devoted servant of God, beloved family patriarch, and community leader, entered into the joy of his Lord on June 1, 2026, at the age of 92. Known affectionately to his family as "Dad," "Papi," and "Granpapi," and to the world as Adalid or “Mr. V”, he lived a life defined by boundless energy, artistic flair, and an unwavering faith that he shared until his very last days.

Adalid was born in La Paz, Bolivia, on February 20, 1934. In his youth, he was a true man of many talents, lighting up local stages as an opera actor and dancer, while also displaying formidable skill on the soccer field. His path took a historic turn when he attended the Methodist Seminary "Juan Wesley" in Montero, Bolivia. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary Linda Donaldson. After graduating in 1965, he was ordained as a Methodist Pastor in 1967.

His thirst for knowledge and passion for the gospel took him across the globe. Adalid pursued advanced theological and administrative studies in Argentina, Colombia, Switzerland, and at Scarritt College in Nashville, Tennessee. An early pioneer in media ministry, he also studied Radio and Television at the University of Houston, hosting his own Christian program on Radio La Cruz del Sur in Bolivia and creating educational programs in both English and Spanish. His global ministry even included an invitation to the Vatican by Pope John Paul II in 1980.

After serving as a pastor and District Superintendent in La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Adalid moved his family to Houston, Texas, in 1983. For decades, he was a pillar of the community. He served as the pastor of Ludtke United Methodist Church and later Vida Nueva United Methodist Church, where he established vital Hispanic ministries and food pantries.

Adalid fiercely believed in uplifting the next generation. For twenty years, he served as a Program Director and volunteer for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, leading Boy Scouts, establishing youth soccer leagues, and teaching English as a Second Language to adults. His leadership extended to serving as President of "Ministers Against Crime," partnering with the Houston Police Department to support local youth and families.

In 2008, Adalid and Mary Linda moved to Cedar Park, Texas to be closer to their family. A deeply social man, Adalid loved meeting new people, making everyone he encountered feel instantly at ease. An athlete at heart, he loved playing soccer, swimming, and working out, maintaining his active spirit until he suffered a stroke in January of 2016. Adalid and Mary Linda shared a beautiful marriage of over 50 years until Mary Linda went to be with the Lord in October of 2020. In March of 2021, Adalid moved in with his family in Leander, where he spent his final years surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren.

Above all else, Adalid was a man of faith. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ, loved God's Word, and spent his life pointing others to the hope found in the gospel. Even in his final days, praise for God remained on his lips. While his family and friends grieve his absence, they rejoice in the assurance that he has been reunited with Mary Linda and now stands in the presence of the Savior he faithfully served for so many years. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the family he loved, the churches he served, and the faith he passed on to future generations.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Linda (Donaldson) Verastegui; parents, Fidel Verastegui and Mercedes (Yaniquez) de Verastegui; brothers, Rene and Roberto Verastegui Yaniquez; sisters, Aide Verastegui de Balderrama, Angelika and Lily Verastegui Yaniquez; and son Ivan Verastegui.

Adalid is survived by his three children, Robert (Sandra) Verastegui of Leander; Vicky (James) Lozano of Cedar Park; Scott (Lindsay) Verastegui of Leander; brother, Fidel Verastegui Yaniquez of La Paz, Bolivia; grandchildren: Gabriela, Aaron (Abigail), Rachel, and Nathan Verastegui of Leander, Andreana, Jonathan, Jules, and Andrew Lozano of Cedar Park, Quinn and Ezra Verastegui of Leander, and great-grandchild: Michael Verastegui of Leander.

Please join us as we celebrate his life;

Saturday, July 18 at 2PM

Forest Ridge Calvary Chapel

1535 Red Bud Lane

Round Rock, TX 78664