Rev. Armando G. Virgen

Rev. Armando G. Virgen of Waco, affectionately known as “Bro. V”, entered Heaven’s gates on June 1, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. Family visitation will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6 at Primera Iglesia Bautista. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7 at Primera Iglesia Bautista with Rev. Dexton Shores officiating. Burial will follow in Waco Memorial Cemetery.

Armando was born May 7, 1926, in Sonora, Texas to Teodoro and Natalia Virgen. He graduated from Sonora High School in 1943 and served as part of the greatest generation in the Army during World War II, discharged in November 1945.

After returning from World War II, Armando gave his life to Christ and was baptized. He graduated from Howard Payne College in May 1951 with a degree in secondary education and taught Spanish at California Baptist College following graduation. At a Billy Graham Crusade in 1954, Armando heard & responded to God’s call to preach and enrolled at Southwestern Theological Seminary. Armando married the love of his life, Lupe Aguirre in May of 1955. While attending seminary, Armando began his pastoral ministry journey as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Cameron, TX and later served as pastor of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in Bay City, TX and Bethel Baptist Church in Dallas. In 1962, Armando accepted the call to pastor Primera Iglesia Bautista in Waco where he served for 53 years before retiring in 2015.

Armando loved his church family and made a positive difference in the lives of people. He was dedicated to ministering to their needs any time, day or night. His love for people greatly influenced and impacted the lives of hundreds of people and they loved him back. He baptized well over 500 people during his 61 years as a pastor. He was a dynamic communicator in both English and Spanish and preached bilingual messages seamlessly.

In June 2016, Armando was recognized by the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas for 50 years of service. In September 2022, past members of Primera Iglesia Bautista recognized him as a “Legendary Pastor” for touching and inspiring hundreds to know Jesus Christ as personal Savior & positively impacting lives. In November 2024, Armando was presented the Gary Cook Servant Leader Award for over 60 years of pastoral leadership during the Baptist General Convention of Texas Annual Meeting in Waco.

Armando passionately loved his family, had a tremendous sense of humor, always making people laugh and was immensely loved by his children and his grandchildren were his pride & joy.

Armando was preceded in death by his wife, Lupe Virgen. 

He is survived by four children, Armando Virgen, Jr. (Ruth) of Temple, Texas, Cynthia Patena (Luiz) of Waco, Texas, Debbie Shores (Dexton) of San Antonio, Texas and Reuben Virgen (Rosemary) of Bethany, Oklahoma; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Dora Granado of Dallas, Texas.

Grandsons serving as pallbearers are Armando Virgen, III., Orlando Virgen, David Shores, Luiz Patena, Jr., Daniel Shores, Isaac Virgen, Michael Virgen, and great-grandson, Armando Virgen IV, his fourth-generation namesake.

The family would like to extend our loving appreciation to Cynthia & Luiz Patena for the dedicated, sacrificial and loving care they provided for Dad in their home during his last years. The family also expresses our appreciation to AccentCare Hospice for their excellent care of Armando during the last three years.