Armando Vela

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church 2010 Co Rd 477, Anson, TX 79501. Interment will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Anson. Visitation and Rosary will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 6-8 P.M at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 Hwy. 277 S. Abilene, Texas 79606.

Armando was born on July 21, 1957 in San Juan, Texas to the late Armando, Sr. and Andrea (Castillo) Vela. He was the third of four children in his family. Growing up Armando and his siblings shared in the usual childhood fun and antics siblings enjoy. Armando showed signs of hard work, ambition and dedication to serving others at an early age. Working in high school at Mr. G’s where he even survived a robbery at the restaurant. He also served as the president of the Chess Club in high school and enjoyed playing the game early on. The seeds of faith were planted in Armando’s heart at an early age in San Juan while attending St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. After High School, he attended Rice University for one year and went on to graduate from the University of Houston in 1979 with his Bachelor’s in Business.

He married Gloria Villezcas and from that union he was blessed with three daughters. Armando went on to become a CPA and worked for several companies, however he spent the majority of his career with Det Norske Veritas. Once Armando retired, he was able to devote much of his time to his private practice that he started years prior. What started out as a small practice with a few clients grew over time. His private practice brought him much fulfillment he always felt he was working with friends rather than clients. Due to the tenure of his business, he was able to serve multiple generations of some families. On June 11, 2007, he married Marie Soliz of Abilene, Texas. The two made their home in Katy, Texas.

The seeds of faith that were planted, over time bloomed. Armando would never claim perfection but had a deep abiding faith. He went on to become a member of the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community in Katy as well as Regina Caeli Catholic Church in Houston. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved Bingo at the church and was a verifier of the cards. Armando also loved sports of all kinds, especially his beloved Astros. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, brother, and loyal friend. He was warm friendly, at times gregarious, patient, and a true renaissance man.

He was preceded in death by, his beloved parents; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Vela; his children, Cynthia D. Vela-Walsh (Peter), Rachel M. Langberg(Jason), Monica L. Vela, Alejandra M. Cisneros(Stephen), and Sarah I. Soliz; 5 grandsons, Everett S. Langberg, Noah J., Benjamin S., Matthew A. and Joshua A. Cisneros; his three loving siblings, Alejandra Vela, Angelica Skoglund(William), and Juan Jose “J.J.” Vela(Diana), 8 nieces and nephews; his brother and sister-in-laws, Cecil Soliz, Sharon Brewer(Daniel), and Nathan Soliz(Christina); a host of other relatives, special friends, and his beloved faith communities.

Dear Armando,

“May the angels lead you into paradise;

may the martyrs come to welcome you

and take you to the holy city,

the new and eternal Jerusalem.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Vela family.