TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (UMNS)—The Rev. Hector Manuel Navas, 79, a founder of The United Methodist Church’s Hispanic/Latino caucus, died Sept. 18.
Navas was a founder of Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans, and served as a pastor, missionary, executive of different United Methodist institutions, and member of several boards and agencies at the general church and annual conference levels. He also was a U.S. Army veteran.
“With his death, MARCHA lost one of its most loyal members, and The United Methodist Church lost one of its most effective Hispanic leaders,” the caucus said in a statement.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ina; four children, Elaine Navas, Ron (Paula), Richard (Terri), and Lisa Navas; sister, Lita Cabo; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, according to an obituary published in the Tampa Bay Times. The memorial service was held Sept. 22 at First United Methodist Church Tarpon Springs, followed by the graveside service Sept. 23 at Florida National Cemetery.
