Roman Mansfield Alvarez went home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2025. A devoted Baptist minister, Roman lived a life rooted in unwavering faith, deep love for his family, a heart for missions, and a steadfast commitment to his great country. His sermons resonated with grace, his actions embodied integrity, and his prayers served as a foundation for countless lives.

Born on October 5, 1938, in Starke, Florida, Roman was the son of Rufus and Kathleen (Underhill) Alvarez, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his siblings, Pat Baldwin (Jerry) of Hampton, FL, and Owen Alvarez (Julia) of Starke, FL, and was preceded in death by siblings J.L., James, Mary Lou Dubose, Daniel, and Lavon Alvarez.

Roman graduated from Bradford High School in 1956. He joined the National Guard for several years of service that included an assignment to the Pentagon. In 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart, Betty, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage, celebrating what would have been 69 years on August 31. Together, they raised three children: Greg (Stephanie) Alvarez, Derek (Sherree) Alvarez, and Stefanie (Gordon Smith). He was blessed with six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren: Justin Alvarez (Collin, Harper, Ridge), Heather Alvarez (Jack, Bryce, Cole, deceased), Hailey (Chris) Coffey (Cayden, Coby, Hudson, Finley, Huxley), Hayden Smith, Kylie (Josh) Orick, and Macy (Lance) Prouty (Aisling). As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a steady source of love and wisdom. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world, and nothing highlighted his spirit more than their love and laughter. The family cherishes fond memories of gospel music sings, yard sales, Sunday dinners, gardening, and, of course, Poppa's many jokes!

Roman answered God's call to ministry at an early age, preaching at Pine Level upon request even before attending Bible College. In 1958, he attended Arlington Baptist College, graduating as valedictorian in 1961 with a Bachelor of Divinity and later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1972.

After graduating in 1961, Roman became Pastor of Pine Level Baptist Church, serving from 1961 to 1965. In 1965, he returned to Texas as Associate Pastor under Dr. Earl Oldham at Calvary Baptist in Grand Prairie. In 1969, he was called to pastor Gideon Baptist in Warren, Michigan. In 1970, Dr. Oldham requested his return to Texas to teach at Arlington Baptist College and even flew to Michigan to explain to the members of Gideon Baptist how much his return was needed.

From 1970 to 1975, Roman juggled teaching Bible classes at Arlington Baptist College, traveling on weekends to represent the College and preach in churches across America, serving as dorm parents for the women's dorm, and answering the call to full-time pastor at New York Avenue Baptist in Arlington, Texas.

In the spring of 1975, Roman returned to Starke for health reasons. After recovering, he heeded the call from Pine Level to return as Pastor once more, serving from August 1975 until 1991.

Upon retiring from pastoral duties at Pine Level in 1991, Roman focused on preaching Missions Conferences until he was called by the First Baptist Church of Graham as Interim Pastor. The church grew and eventually relocated from Graham to Starke, later changing its name to Southside Baptist Church. Roman led this congregation for 22 years until December 2023 when he retired permanently for health reasons.

Throughout his ministries, Roman had a heartfelt burden for missions and spreading the gospel worldwide. He worked tirelessly to support missionaries through World Baptist Fellowship, providing prayers, church support, and his own personal finances throughout his life.

In addition to his ministry, Roman dedicated over 40 years to law enforcement, beginning in 1977 as a resource safety officer in schools. He joined the Sheriff's Office in 1988, where he served as a Lieutenant and Detective, later working with the State Attorney's Office as an Investigator until his retirement. Even after retiring, he was invited back to train investigators at the police department. His work in the justice system offered him opportunities to share God's word and counsel many during their times of crisis.

Roman also proudly served as a member of the School Board for District 5, demonstrating his dedication to the community and the education of its students.

Roman Alvarez was more than a minister—he was a patriot, a pillar of strength, and a humble servant of God. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, every truth he preached, and every act of kindness he offered without hesitation. His family and friends find comfort in knowing he heard the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

We are humbled that the family would choose for donations to be sent to the mission agency in memory of Bro. Roman. He was always so generous to our missionaries and a special blessing to our mission agency. The link for online giving would be: https://wbfma.net/give-online. Or they can simply send donations to:

WBF Mission Agency

P.O. Box 13459

Arlington, TX 76094.

Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. NONA ST. STARKE, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com