Richard F. Vela Sr.

Richard F. Vela, Sr. (Deddy), 83, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at the Angel Bright Hospice. Born in Sarita, Texas to Refugio and Silveria Vela, raised in Kingsville, but he lived most of his live in Corpus Christi.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Enriqueta Alaniz, Guadalupe Alvarez, and Paula Soliz; brothers, Enrique Vela and Domingo Barrera and his granddaughter, Michelle Tamez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elvira G. Vela; his sister, Zulema Vela-Gonzalez; his brothers, Elias Vela and Nicholas Vela; his children, Richard G. Vela, Jr. (Sylvia), Anita Lagarde, Dalia Banda (Guadalupe L. Jr.), Roy Vela (Mona), Belma De Leon (Benito), Diana Allen (Oliver George) and Refugion G. Vela all of Corpus Christi, as well as his 30 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and 4 great great-grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Richard was a passionate man who enjoyed welding, viewing boxing and wrestling matches. He worked as a contract welder for many years with various Chemical Plants and Oil Refineries. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoor Bar-B-Ques with his sons and grandsons. Richard also loved to make his “famous” morning breakfast for his beautiful wife.

Visitation will began at 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 on Friday, February 15, 2013 at Funeraria Del Angel-Memorial Holly. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at St Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery, Kingsville, Texas.You may visit www.funerariadelangelmholly.com to offer condolences and sign guestbook.