Obituary of Fernando "Scratch" Esparza Mireles

Our beloved Fernando "Scratch" Esparza Mireles, age 81, was called to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. He was preceded in death by his son, Tim Mireles; parents, Juan and Maria Mireles, and three infant sisters.

Fernando was born may 30, 1939, in Monterrey, Mexico, to Juan and Maria Mireles. His family relocated to the Austin area where Scratch attended Zavala Elementary and Old Austin High School (Rio Grande location). After the passing of their parents, his grandparents, Jose and Maria Mireles, raised Fernando and his brother, John. He met and married Carmen Olvera, and had three sons, Fernando, Jr., Tim, and Alex Mireles. One of this first jobs was traveling to Random Lake, Wisconsin, to work at Krier Foods Canning. He also worked for Cisco Bakery, delivering fresh breads around central Texas. His friend, Tony Ayala, would eventually help him get a job at Austin Carbonic, and then with Mid-Tex where he would remain until retiring.

Scratch was well known for many things, primarily his athletic skills. He played softball for many years, and was a member of the Austin Aces, Austin Jokers, and the Old Timers. Scratch was also a member of the Pan America Golf Club, and won many trophies for his skill on the green. As seriously as he took his sports, he also took his work, and many are familiar with his work as a refrigeration technician, servicing primarily the East Side, working with Mid-Tex Sales and Services.

Fernando is survived by his wife, Carmen Mireles; sons, Fernando Mireles, Jr. and Alex Mireles; grandchildren, Fernando "Fernie" Mireles, Sierra Garza, Matthew Mireles, and Alexander T. Mireles; great-grandchildren, Andrew Garza, Ava Garza, Damian Mireles, Holly Mireles, Avah Alcala, Evah Mireles, and Greyson Mireles; brother, John Mireles and wife, Dominga and their children, Micah Mireles, Juan Mireles, and David Mireles; as well as numerous other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas.

A Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, January 18, 2021, also at Mission Funeral Home - South Side.  Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.

Services will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - South Side

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.