Monday morning, officials the Fabens Independent School District announced the passing of FISD Board President, educator, coach and resident Rey Sepulveda.
Fabens ISD Superintendent Dr. Veronica Vijil stated, “Mr. Sepulveda was a champion for Fabens ISD. We can honor his memory by continuing to advocate for the children who he held so dearly in his heart.”
Service to his community was a lifelong passion for Sepulveda, as he served on the Fabens ISD school Board for over twenty-two years.
Asked what motivated him to dedicate his life to service, he often responded that he did it for the community and the children. A 1973 graduate of Fabens High School, Sepulveda attended both NMSU and UTEP and became a teacher and a coach in the El Paso, Clint, San Elizario, and Fabens School districts.
“His faith and his family gave him joy throughout his life and peace in his final days. His loving wife, Linda, welcomed a stream of visitors who came by as he gave advice and encouragement to others until he was called home to heaven,” FISD officials shared.
“The Fabens community and the Fabens School District will remember Rey Sepulveda as a leader, a coach, a mentor, and a servant of God.”
In both his professional life and community service activities, district officials say he focused on guiding his community’s youth and mentoring those who served them, which he saw as his calling.
He served his church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Fabens, Texas.
Sepulveda worked for TXDOT in the design department; he then became a teacher and a coach. As a science teacher, he served as a Science Mentor for the Texas Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching.
He was an active member of MASBA (Mexican-American School Board Association) and served on the LAC, Legislative Advisory Committee as a delegate four times.
As an active community leader, he was instrumental in bringing the Lower Valley Housing Authority to the Fabens Community. He became President of the Fabens Lions Club. He also served on the CAD (County Appraisal District) for eight years, five as Chairman. He also ran for State Representative in 2014.
“He served tirelessly on the Fabens ISD school board…he encouraged others to serve their community, focusing on students with the mindset of never expecting anything in return,” FISD officials added.
