Obituary of Edward Argüelles

EDWARD "ED" ARGÜELLES MCALLEN - Edward Argüelles Jr., 54, from McAllen, TX passed away at noon on Thursday, January 19th, 2017, after a courageous, almost four year battle with kidney cancer. His wife, his mother, and his mother-in-law were with him at his passing. The worst of his illness became painfully obvious in February of 2016, at which point the cancer had spread to his brain. By the grace of God, he enjoyed a good quality of life for almost three years after the initial diagnosis. Edward was an amazing singer and voice coach; he played piano, guitar, trombone, and almost any instrument with a skill most would envy. In his 29-year career as a music teacher and choir director for the Mission and McAllen school districts, he developed the musical talents of thousands of students. He co-directed many of the sell-out musicals at Nikki Rowe High School. His three children Aaron (28), Joshua (26), and Hannah (24) are talented musicians and performers in their own right. Edward introduced his four brothers to music and inspired in them a passion for the arts. As children they all played, sang, and harmonized together to the likes of the Eagles, Bread, Chicago, the Little River Band, and of course many other rock bands. He directed and founded church choirs from his years in high school through most of his adult life, including Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen. He employed his musical talents to minister to the children, to the sick, and for social justice. Edward was blessed to have met his wife, Sylvia, later in life and they were married July 6, 2013. In the short time they had, they were blissfully happy. He adored her and she cared for him throughout his illness—tirelessly, selflessly and without hesitation. Mr. Argüelles was preceded in death by his father Edward Argüelles Sr. and is survived by his wife Sylvia Saldaña Argüelles; his children, Aaron, Joshua, Hannah, and step-sons Jared Hurtado, and Juventino Hurtado Jr.; his mother, Maria Hilda Argüelles; mother-in-law Teresa Lopez; four brothers Luis, Gaston, Mark, and John; 13 nieces and nephews. While it is tragic for us to lose someone so young, so talented, and so good, we are relieved that his suffering has ended. Today, we pray he finds his chair with the band in heaven and will grace for all eternity the heavenly hosts with his God-given talents. A Celebration of Life service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2017, at Legacy Chapels, 4610 S. Jackson Rd in Edinburg. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.