Pablo Vela

Pablo Vela, Sr Pablo Vela, Sr., 92, of Linn-San Manuel, Texas entered into eternal life at Lifecare North Hospital on Thursday, December 20, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Pablo was born in El Privilegio Ranch in Starr County in 1920. He was a descendant of the original pioneer families of the Valley who received Spanish Land Grants in the mid-1700s. He graduated from Edinburg High School in 1939 and from Corpus Christi National Defense Training in the trade of Welding in May of 1942. Pablo was a professional welder, farmer, and rancher for all of his adult life. He was well regarded by many in his profession and considered an expert in the field of welding. Pablo worked for 55 years for his cousins, Arcadio and Rafael Guerra, owners of Guerra Brothers in Linn, Texas. Pablo built and helped operate the cotton gins in La Reforma and Linn and the grain elevators in McCook and Linn. He was a highly intelligent man who was blessed with numerous talents and was very knowledgeable in many areas including water wells, windmills, electricity, plumbing, carpentry, and tractor and auto mechanics. On his farm and ranch, he raised cattle and grew cotton and grain. Pablo was also an expert marksman and hunter. He cherished his family and shared his love of music with them. Pablo loved to entertain his family by playing tunes on the harmonica. Since a very young age, he was known for his unique whistling abilities. Pablo married the love of his life Maria R. Cardenas Vela on September 24, 1939 at Sacred Heart Church in Edinburg, Texas. They had six children, fourteen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. He was lovingly known by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as "Tata." Pablo embodied God's teachings by the way he lived his life in word and deed. He could be found every Sunday attending mass at St. Anne's Catholic Church in San Manuel with his wife and children. Both he and his wife were dedicated parishioners who volunteered in all aspects of the church and helped to build the church that is seen today. He set the example for his family by leading a godly life. Pablo was a humble man who was known for his honesty and integrity. He was a man of his word whose handshake was binding. He only spoke kind words and his actions were always respectful. Through his own example, he instilled excellent values and morals in his children and grandchildren. One of his pieces of advice to them was, "always tell the truth and you never have to remember what you said." He was a selfless man and a great listener who took great interest in others' lives and accomplishments. Pablo had a heart of "gold" and was a great friend to many. He shared an impeccable memory and could recount any story. Pablo had a great love of baseball and enjoyed listening to games on the radio and watching baseball games on television surrounded by his children. He was known for his love of and loyalty to Chevy trucks. Pablo was a well loved and respected man with a warm smile who will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he has touched. Pablo is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Maria R. Vela on October 18th 2012, his daughter Virginia Vela on October 4th 2012, his sister Lupita Cavazos, Brother in laws Arturo Cardenas, Bernardino Cardenas, his sister in law, Celia Cuenca, Son in law, Elliot Lapides and a grandson, Louie Trevino. He is survived by his children; Pablo Vela, Jr., (Ester), Humberto Vela (Beatrice), Armando Vela (Nelda), Leonor Lapides (Elliot +), Nora Trevino (Johnny), and a brother in law, Reynaldo Cardenas. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Aaron Vela, Humberto Vela, Jr., Marcos Vela, Omar P. Vela, Oscar Rene Vela, Armando Javier Vela, and David Lapides. Honorary Pallbearers will be granddaughters: Belinda V. Drabek, Rebecca Vela, Lisa T. Story, Judith V. Flesher, Catherine Trevino, and Stephani Lapides. The family thanks Dr. Ben Garza for his care for Pablo over the years and Dr. Rajeev Mathavan for his compassionate care of Pablo at Lifecare North. The family would also like to thank his caregiver, Veronica Salceda, for her love and service to Pablo. Friends are invited to attend a visitation with the family on Sunday, December 23rd 2012 between the hours of five o'clock and nine o'clock in the evening at Legacy Chapels, 4610 S. Jackson Rd., Edinburg, Texas. (956)-618-5900. A Rosary will be prayed at seven o'clock in the evening and will be available online at www.legacychapelsrgv.com Funeral Mass will commence at ten o'clock in the morning on Monday, December 24th 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. Funeral Services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels of Edinburg.