Ricardo Vela Jr., passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Meridian Care in Alice, Texas; he was 78 years old. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 18, 1948 to Ricardo Vela Sr. and Maria Virginia Gomez Vela.
Ricardo loved dancing and spending time with his family. He treasured the moments he shared with his children and loved ones, creating memories that will remain in their hearts. His life lessons, kindness, and the love he showed his children will continue to be remembered and cherished for years to come.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy Vela; daughter, Sonia Vela: son, Vicente Vela; sister, Maria Castillo and brother, Raul Vela.
He leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory with them: his children, Ricardo Vela III of Hebbronville, Texas, Lydia Vela Sosa of Houston, Texas, Leroy (Maricela) Gonzalez of Hebbronville, Randy (Rose) Gonzalez of Benavides, Texas, Mario (Ritza) Gonzalez of Hebbronville, Rudy Gonzalez of Floresville, Texas, Jason Vela of Hebbronville, Virginia (Mario) Flores of Corpus Christi and Valerie (Franz) Puyol of Alice; siblings, Raymundo Gomez of Laredo, Texas, Cynthia Vela of San Diego, Texas and Angie Vela of Alice; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Pallbearers will be Jason Vela, Randy Gonzalez, Leroy Gonzalez, Mario Gonzalez, Rudy Gonzalez, Mario Flores and Franz Puyol.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard-Williams in Hebbronville with Visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the New Hebbronville Cemetery.
