David H. Vela

With profound sadness, we share the news of the passing of David H. Vela, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, stepfather, and friend. Born on March 4, 1958, in Alice, Texas, David H. Vela was a beacon of strength, resilience, and wisdom to all who were lucky enough to cross his path. He left us on June 7, 2024, leaving a void in the hearts of the many lives he touched.
David was a loving family man, a great friend, and an accomplished professional. He proudly served in the US Navy for 18 years and 9 months as a radar communication specialist before he retired from the US Navy. He was also a member of the combat veterans association. Despite his many responsibilities and commitments, David always found the time to lend an ear, offer a word of advice, or share a hearty laugh. His vibrant spirit and unwavering optimism will be dearly missed but forever remembered.
David was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Vela, Sr., and step-son, Hector Lara.
David leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories to be cherished by his beloved wife, Alicia A. Vela; his loving mother, Emilia Vela; his devoted children, Joseph Lara, Isaac Lara, Alina Rodriguez, Lori Barnes, and Melissa Torti; and his adored siblings, Sylvia Trejo, Johnny (Lisa) Vela Jr., Selina "Sally" Vela, Nora (Mario) Mendez, Baltazar "Werro" (Elena) Vela, and Jilma (Luis) Lopez. David was also a proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren and a great-grandfather to one.
The visitation for David will be held on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 9am to 10:30am, with a Rosary to follow at 10:30am, the Funeral Mass will begin at 11am. There will be a luncheon following the funeral mass from 12pm to 1:30pm. Interment will be Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at 11am at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. There will be a procession leaving from Trevino Funeral Home to Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 9am.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Rodriguez, Jaime Zavala, Tino Olivares, Johnny Vela, Baltazar "Werro" Vela, and Joseph Lara. Honorary pallbearers will be Isaac Noel Lara, Tom Youngblood, Mauricio Garza, Javier Ramos, and David Lee Ray.
In celebration of David H. Vela's remarkable life, we invite you to share your fondest memories and upload photos on his memorial page. This is an opportunity for us to come together, share our stories, and remember the joyous times we spent with David. Your shared memories and pictures will serve as a testament to David's life, his accomplishments, and the legacy he leaves behind.