Vicente Co, of Houston, Texas passed away on May 8, 2019 at the age of 86. Born in the Philippines of Chinese descent to parents Lo Manalo Co and Sy Ai, he ranked third out of seven siblings. Of the many roles he played, the most important one was that of a child of God. He became a believer at a young age under the influence of his mother’s faith in Christ. Although he held a bachelor degree in art from the University of Santo Thomas, the gifted artist was called to be a minister of the gospel instead, a calling he pursued for the rest of his life.
Vicente married Conchita Tiu in 1964. Shortly after, they moved to Taiwan and attended Taiwan Baptist Christian Seminary. During the years in Taiwan, Vicente was ordained a minister and called to serve at Enguan Baptist Church. They also became parents to four girls, Sharon, Faith, Jeanne, and Joy. In 1976, the family moved to Fort Worth, TX for the couple to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Concurrently, Vicente worked at the General Baptist Convention of Texas as a Chinese mission consultant. At Southwestern, Vicente received a doctorate degree in ministry. Upon graduation, the family relocated to Baguio City, Philippines for two years as Vicente and Conchita served at Baguio Chinese Baptist Church and taught at the Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1981, the family migrated back to Texas and eventually settled in Houston. For over a decade, Vicente worked at Union Baptist Association in Houston as the Asian Mission Consultant, starting about 65 ethnic missions and churches of various languages throughout Houston. After retiring in the early 90’s, he and Conchita served twice as missionaries to Banqiao, Taiwan through the Southern Baptist International Mission Board. They eventually returned back to Houston where Vicente served as pulpit guest speaker and taught art and drawing to youngsters. Some of Vicente’s passions include photography, drawing, gardening, carpentry, and lots of good food.
Vicente and Conchita not only dedicated their whole life to share Christ with others, their biggest accomplishment was that they faithfully taught their four girls about Jesus and led each of them to having personal relationships with Christ. They had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
Vicente is proceeded in death by his parents, wife of 54 years, Conchita Tiu Co and brother, Alfonso Co. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Eric Leong, Faith and Shao-Jen Chang, Jeanne and Chih-Wei Tsai, Joy and Anthony Dun; grandchildren (in order of age), Caleb Leong, Hope Chang, Ethan Tsai, Justin Tsai, Daniel Chang, Josh Leong, Luke Chang, Megan Tsai; sisters Virginia Go, Isabella Tan, Marcela Tan, Juliana Chanco; brother Jimmy Co; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
