Edward A. Pela

Edward Allen Pela died at home on Friday evening, October 31, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Harlow Pela, daughter Teresa Jean Pela Wright, two sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, with two more on the way, two step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, the mother of five of his grandchildren, Christine Pela Kirven.

Ed was born September 6, 1928 in Victoria, Texas. The home in which he was born and reared was built by his paternal grandfather Sylvain Pela and is still standing as a prominent part of the historic Santa Rosa Street District in Victoria. Like all native born Texans, Ed believed there were many things unique to Texas that made it the greatest state in the union. Chief among these unique virtues of Texas were Blue Belle Ice Cream, Lockhart Barbeque, LoneStar Beer, Texas Hill Country, the Alamo and most importantly, College Station, the home of Texas A & M University. Ed graduated from A & M with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1949. While a few Aggies may have equaled, it is fair to say none ever surpassed Ed Pela’s pride in his university. Following his graduation, Ed served his country as an officer in the United States Army. In 1951, Ed began his forty year career as an engineer with DuPont Corporation, a life’s work he thoroughly enjoyed and found much fulfillment in until his retirement.

Ed’s faith in God and trust in Christ as his Savior were rock solid. His pursuit of learning and especially world history was that of a world class scholar. Ed was a staunch proponent of traditional values and conservative politics. He championed the belief in American exceptionalism and while he was unwavering in his views, values and political stance, he upheld them all with the grace and decorum found in a gentleman of the highest order. Ed will be remembered for many things, but perhaps above all else his life served to provide a consistent portrait of a disciplined, well ordered and courageous man. His integrity was above reproach and he never flagged in zeal for all that was good and noble and true. To that end, he adored, cherished and served his precious Jean. The death of his first born daughter to cancer took its toll, but even in that great loss, Ed and Jean manifested a peace that passes understanding and a faith that can only be found through the grace of God.

All of Ed’s descendants will never fully fathom the benefits which accrued to them by having such a wonderful Bop Bop to love and provide for them, counsel and inspire them. The greatest blessing he bestowed on them was how he faithfully demonstrated in human terms the consistent love, gentleness and immeasurable kindness of our Heavenly Father. To God be the glory for the great things He has done through the life and testimony of Edward Allen Pela. The Memorial Service for Ed will be held at the graveside in Woodlawn Memorial Park. The service will begin at 3:00pm on Tuesday, November 4. The family will greet and express thanksgiving for your prayers and love immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church or the Home At Last Project, Inc. for families of wounded veterans. www.homeatlasthomes.org