John Vega

John Vega, 71, passed away on February 5, 2026, in Midland, Texas.

Born March 14, 1954, in Big Spring, Texas, John was raised in Odessa and later made his home in Austin for 20 years, where he raised his daughter and built a life full of friendships, laughter, and community. No matter where he lived, John had a way of making every place feel like home.

Twenty-four years ago, John met the love of his life, Yolanda. The two settled in Midland, Texas, where he embraced not only a new home but also her children, Dora and Robert, as his own. He loved Yolanda with all his heart, and together they built a life centered on family, loyalty, and love.

John dedicated 53 years to the restaurant industry, a career that reflected his love for people and conversation. From his early days at Pizza Hut to his later years at Strawberry Fields Café, he never met a stranger. Customers became friends, coworkers became family, and his sense of humor made long shifts brighter for everyone around him.

While living in Austin, John became a devoted Texas Longhorns fan, a loyalty he carried proudly for the rest of his life. He was known for his amazing personality, quick wit, and the kind of humor that could light up a room. People gravitated to him naturally — and once you knew John, you never forgot him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Yolanda G. Vega; his bonus daughter, Dora Torres and spouse George; his daughter, Angela Minjarez and spouse Anthony; his cherished grandchildren: Josie Esquibel and spouse Mark; Anthony Minjarez Jr. and spouse Bailey; Michelle DeLeon and spouse Tanner; Valerie Minjarez; and Angelo Hardee; 10 great-grandchildren; his loving siblings, Mary and Bobby Carbajal, Oscar and Mimi Vega, Rolando and Michaela Vega, Danette and James Hall, and Selina Vega; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Each of them carries forward his stories, laughter, and love.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Olivia Vega; father, Catarino E. Vega; sisters, Sylvia Diaz and Viola “Gracie” Gonzalez; brothers, Catarino Vega Jr. and Joe Vega; and bonus son, Robert Sanchez.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Esquibel, Anthony Minjarez Jr., Tanner DeLeon, Dominik Mancha, Angelo Hardee, and Nickolas Flores.

John will be remembered for his big heart, his unforgettable humor, and the joy he brought into everyday moments. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and laughter that will live on in all who knew him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

Viewing will be Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5pm to 9pm with a rosary to be recited that evening at 7pm at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home Chapel.  

Memorial Mass is set for Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & Shrine.