Paul Vega, Sr.

Apolonio "Paul" Vega, Sr. of Houston, Texas was born on March 6, 1931 in Waelder, Texas to Apolonio Vega and Nicolasa T. Vega. Paul was the first of 4 children born to Apolonio and Nicolasa, followed by his younger brother, Abel Vega, and sisters, Elodia “Lola” Martinez, and Clara "Clarita" Vega. Paul passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

Paul was preceded in death and welcomed heartily into Heaven by his parents, Apolonio and Nicolasa Vega; his brother, Abel Vega; and sisters, Elodia “Lola” Martinez and Clara "Clarita" Vega.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Alice G. Vega, to whom he would have been married to for 63 years on September 18, 2023. Paul is also survived by his four children—Paul Vega, Jr., Timothy Vega, Ruth Ann Cordova, and Clara V. Rodriguez—along with eleven grandchildren, several nephews and nieces, cousins, and great-grandchildren.

Paul served in the United States Air Force from 1950 – 1954 during the Korean War and was so proud to have served his country. He was also a devout Methodist and would take any opportunity he was given to talk about his love for The Lord and the example we should set as Christians. Paul was raised in and by the Church as his father, Apolonio Vega, was an ordained preacher in the Methodist faith.

Paul was a natural-born leader and after having served in the US Air Force, was able to use his GI benefits to attend the University of Houston to get his HVAC contractor’s license. He was proud and honored to be among the UH Cougar alumni. After entering the workforce for some time, Paul drew the courage to open his own air conditioning business in 1976 and worked happily until he was 82 years old! No matter what side of town or what his customers’ belief systems were, Paul proudly served the Houston and surrounding areas with honesty, integrity, and respect.

After his time in the air force, Paul eventually met the woman who would steal his heart forever—his precious, Alice. Paul met Alice in the United Methodist Church in Galveston, Texas where his father served as senior pastor and courted her until their marriage on September 18th, 1960. He fiercely loved Alice during his time on earth and often wanted to be near her or sneak cheek-kisses any chance he got. During their marriage, he exemplified the traits of an adoring husband, doting father and grandfather, and ultimate support and provider for his family.

Paul enjoyed singing in the choir with his wife, Alice, at Westbury United Methodist Church and taking road trips to sight-see together. He loved sharing a good meal and fellowship with his family and friends. His laugh would fill an entire room but he could also command the attention of everyone when it was time to discuss important matters like how we should serve and love God with our whole hearts.

Paul truly had an enormous presence and aura that carried him through 92 years on this earth. His family was privileged to have had this time with him and are honored by the example he set with his love and zeal for Christ. He will be missed dearly and cherished in memory by all those who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank Harbor Hospice and Paul’s private caregivers for the exemplary care and compassion they showed him during his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend Paul’s memorial service at 10am on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Forest Park Westheimer located at 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077. Visitation will begin on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 5pm to 8pm. Saturday visitation will begin at 9am with funeral services following at 10am. The family is inviting all those coming to celebrate the life of Paul to a reception immediately following interment at Forest Park Westheimer at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating in Paul’s honor to Westbury United Methodist Church (5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096; https://www.westburyumc.org/give) or to a charity of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the Vega, family.