Hector J. de Vega

Hector Jesus de Vega was born on August 13, 1934 in Havana, Cuba to Consuelo and Rafael de Vega. Hector grew up in a close-knit family who would gather on Sunday afternoons at Hector’s grandfather’s home for lunch.

Hector was the middle child. His big brother, Nelson, was the studious one. Hector was the mischievous one. Yet, when chaperoning his little sister, Marta, Hector would take his job very seriously. He adored his sister.

Hector met Nancy Medina at the neighborhood park. He was eleven and she was nine. Since that day, they have been together ever since. A fairy tale love story. They married on January 9, 1954. Shortly thereafter, Hector and Nancy welcomed their first two children, Nancita (Nancy Jr) and Hectico (Hector Jr). They enjoyed a happy life in Havana… until the revolution came.

Hector arranged for his family to leave Cuba in 1962. To do so meant Hector had to leave everything behind; his job, his house, his extended family and life-long friends, to go to the United States. Hector said he had to leave Cuba for his children’s future. He wanted them to be free.

Hector took his family to Miami, Wichita and then later to Kansas City in search of job opportunities. In Kansas City, Hector was hired by Great Lakes Pipeline as an electrical drafter. Later Hector accepted a job offer from Fluor to move to Houston. He was excited about being close to the ocean once again. He always loved the beach.

Soon Hector was able to buy his first home on Buffalo Speedway where Vivi (Vivian) and Charlie (Charles) were born.

Hector worked at Fluor for nearly 29 years. Through work, Hector was able to travel around the world and make life-long friendships. Hector always spoke about his years at Fluor with tremendous pride.

Hector loved his family dearly. He spent most of his spare time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, parents and extended family. On most Sundays, Hector and his sister’s family would come together for lunch much like how they were raised in Cuba. On holidays, Hector would open his house to all extended family and those that needed a place to go. His door was always open.

Hector loved family camping trips to the beach and to the Hill Country. He loved salt water fishing and always caught the “Big One” when napping with pole in hand. He loved playing “King of the Raft” and “Shark” with his grandchildren. Hector loved siestas and would often be found volunteering to help put a grandchild down for a nap so he could nap as well!

Hector made life-long friendships and was a part of a “Rosary Group” that formed over 30 years ago. This close group of friends meets once a week for prayer and fellowship which continues even today.

Hector passed away peacefully on August 26, 2021 at the age of 87 surrounded by his family.

Hector is preceded in death by his parents Consuelo and Rafael de Vega, his brother Nelson de Vega, and his daughter Nancy Cook.

Hector is survived by wife Nancy de Vega, his sister Marta Esnaola, his sons Hector de Vega and Charles de Vega, daughter-in-law Linda de Vega, daughter Vivian Buesking, son-in-law David Buesking, his eleven grandchildren Sean de Vega, Ryan de Vega, Jennifer Haines, Candice Watters, Michelle Buesking, Sharon Buesking, Cody Moore, Zachary Moore, Joshua Moore, Alexander de Vega and Gisella de Vega and five great-grandchildren.

Hector’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the care and compassion provided by the staff of Clayton Oaks Living and Encompass Hospice during his final days.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory can contact the Alzheimer’s Association of Texas at https://act.alz.org/.

A visitation for Hector will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood, Stafford, TX 77477, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.