Efraim Vela

Efraim (Coach) Vela passed away peacefully at his home on September 30, 2023. He was 93 years of

age. He took his last breath surrounded by people he loved most. Coach Vela was born in McAllen. He

attended McAllen schools where he would excel in sports. Vela, a 1949 graduate of McHi, lettered in

football, baseball, and track. He was named to the 1948 "Iron Man Team in the State of Texas" as center and

linebacker. After his career at McAllen High School, he played football at Sul Ross State University in Alpine,

Texas. He came back to the Valley after graduating from Sul Ross and began his coaching career at Rio Grande

City High School. He then came to McAllen ISD in 1970 as an Assistant Coach. He coached successful football

and track teams at the 9th grade level. In 1982, Coach Vela was named Assistant Athletic Director until his

retirement in 1995. Once retired, he and Steffie chose to live in Red River, New Mexico until 2014 when they,

again, returned to the Rio Grande Valley, their home.

He is preceded in death by his parents Luis H. and Conchita Vela, his daughter, Norma Linda, and Steffie,

his wife of almost 70 years. He is survived lovingly by three sons Efraim (Patsy), Bobby (Steffenie) and

Richard (Linda), nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He often reminisced of his most memorable wins and losses. He touched the lives of many athletes

throughout the years. Many wonderful stories are told about the tremendous positive influence he had

on so many of them. He enjoyed the last years of his life spending time with good friends, his

family-especially, his grandchildren.

The family will gather to celebrate his life with a religious service on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

Memorial donations honoring Coach Vela may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Church Capital Campaign

at 1108 Hackberry, McAllen, Texas, The Boys and Girls Club of McAllen, 2620 Galveston Avenue, McAllen,

Texas or the charity of your choice.