Charlie Martinez Mestaz Jr.

1940 - 2024

Pastor Carlos Mestaz

Charlie Martinez Mestaz Jr., most affectionately known as Pastor Carlos, passed peacefully on September 12, 2024, at age 84 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his son Charlie Jr. and siblings Gilbert, Tonia, Beatrice, Rachel, and Genevieve. He is survived by his wife Betty and children Tammy Davis (Kevin), Tony Mestaz (Lisa), Mark Mestaz (Rosemary), Tessa Houston (Terold), and sisters Lupe and Nellie.

Pastor Carlos was born in Tulare, California, on July 24, 1940. He came from humble beginnings. His early years were marked by many challenges that would threaten to derail his path in life. However, God had other plans. Soon, he would meet someone who would help alter the trajectory of his future.

In 1959, when he was just a teen, Carlos took notice of the beautiful and kind girl next door, Betty Risenhoover. By September of that year, they were married and began what would amount to 65 years of love, family, and adventure. From their union came five children, 22 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren.

One of Carlos greatest joys was spending time fellowshipping with his family. We will remember him warmly for the quiet confidence he exuded everywhere he went, for the thoughtful observations he would often make from the seat of his favorite reclining chair as he smiled and listened to the raucous family reunions around him, and for the unexpected jokes that would offer a peek beneath his usually stoic and serious demeanor.

We will remember him for the countless school graduations, sporting events, and job promotions he attended cheering us on every step of the way. For the special birthday card doodles every year. For the never-ending late-night prayer request phone calls he fielded over the years. For the countless weddings he presided over and unions he blessed. For the hospital visits, baptisms, and funeral officiations. For his deep love of serving his community and the members of his congregation.

Beyond all else, his greatest passion in life was ministry. He began his mission of spreading the Gospel of Christ in 1975 as an evangelist. In his early years, he spent 10 years working in prison and jail ministry counseling and working alongside inmates as they performed community service. He also spent several years performing youth outreach as a Royal Rangers Commander. After moving to Porterville, he served as a deacon in a local congregation before eventually founding his own church, Agape Mission, in 1989, where he served as lead Pastor for 35 years.

Undoubtedly, if Pastor Carlos could impart one last thing to us all, it would be a loving reminder that we were created for a purpose by a God who loved us so much, He sent His only Son to die for our sins. This sacrifice changed Carlos life, and it was his greatest wish to share this transformation with as many people as he possibly could. He shared it with us, his family, and the effects have been felt now through multiple generations. God has been the rock of our family, but Pastor Carlos was our glue. He will be greatly missed. Until we meet again.

John 3:16

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 17th at 9:30 a.m. at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center, 765 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville, CA 93257.

To sign Pastor Carloss online register book or leave a message of condolence please visit www.portervillefuneral.com. For additional information contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center: 765 W. Henderson Avenue Porterville, CA 93257.