John Edwards Velasquez

John enrolled in Bryan schools, in 1956, after his father ended his career at the Bryan Air Force Base. After graduation from Stephen F. Austin High school, in 1964, he started working for his uncle in Houston. While visiting family in Lockhart, he met Nina Jo. They married in August 1964 and moved to Bryan. However, in 1966, he received his draft notice and thus his military career began.

Upon his return, in 1970, John opened up his own business A&M Twin City Paint and Body, which his son, John Ed now runs.

John took great pride to be a Vietnam Veteran. He was grateful for the prayers from his family that brought him home safely. He was proud of the young men and women that protect our nation’s freedom today. John was the driving force behind Brazos County VFW Post 4692 since the late 70’s. He served in every post and was serving as the current commander for the twenty-eighth time. John took various roles such as district commander, state commander, state inspector, and state surgeon. He also took part as the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Director, Member of the American Legion, Elks and Vietnam Veteran Association; he was, also, a lifelong member of the Advisory board of the Salvation Army.

During his time on the board of Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, he was a flag coordinator and part of the events committee. Lieutenant Colonel Bob Hesselbein and General Randy House used John’s image and likeness for the Vietnam War Hot LZ Memorial located at Veterans Memorial Park in College Station. It is a bronze, full-size, replica of a Huey helicopter unloading soldiers in a dangerous Vietnam War landing zone sculpted by Mr. Lara out of Navasota, TX. This bronze statue was special not only to John but to his family.

Most of all, John was a family man. John and his brother, Robert, owned the V&V ranch of over a hundred acres down south. They would go hunting for deer, turkey, hogs and doves. John loved to go fishing in his pond with grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

He is preceded in death by Nina Jo Velasquez, his wife of almost 50 years; son, John Anthony Velasquez; sister, Dolores Garcia; brothers-in-law, Toby Garcia, Joe Lopez and Rudy Marin; and sister-in-law, Gertrude Velasquez.

John is survived by his wife of seven years, LaNora J. Velasquez; two daughters, Grizelda V. Martinez and husband, Claude (Bubba), and Malisa V. Cruz; one son, John Edward Velasquez II; ten grandchildren, Claudia Stadelmann and husband, Kurt, Mason Martinez, Morgan Martinez, Meagan Martinez, Zachary Cruz, Miranda Cruz, Cameron Cruz, Emily Velasquez, John Edward Velasquez III and Gabriel Velasquez; two great-grandchildren, Camila Velasquez and Joshua Santos; three step-children, LaTosha Baker, Amanda Whiteley and Toby Fulton; thirteen step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren. As well as six brothers, Anthony M Velasquez, Danny Joe Velasquez and wife, Janie, Ronald Velasquez and wife, Leigh, Robert Velasquez, Richard Velasquez and wife, Kathy, and Eric Rene Velasquez; five sisters, Mary Alice Cruz and husband, Tony, Theresa Lopez, Sylvia Marin, Sandra Chavarria, and Audrey Pfuntner and husband, Dennis Pfuntner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the local VFW Post 4692, Disabled American Veterans or to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 South College Avenue, Bryan, Texas 77801. A recitation of holy rosary will occur Friday, May 3, 2024 at 6:30 PM, 1515 South College Avenue, Bryan, Texas 77801. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Christ the Good Shepherd Chapel, 600 S Coulter, Bryan, Texas.