Ernesto "Coach Vela" V. Vela

ERNESTO VELA "COACH VELA"







Ernesto Vela 80, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday April 15, 2015, in Rio Grande City. He was a 1957 graduate and alumni of The Sam Houston State Bearkats where he played on the 1956 Lone Star Conference and National Championship football team. He was also honored by being inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame and the Leo Najo Baseball Hall of Fame. He worked for his alma-mater the Rio Grande City Independent School District for 42 years where he served as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He served as a member of the Knights of Columbus Rio Grande City chapter. He was also a member of the Texas Jaycees and the Rio Grande City Rotary Club.
He is preceded in death by his parents Cecilio and Demetria Vela and his sister Connie Roberts. He is survived by his wife Abbie Vela and three children Ernesto Lee Vela, Jorge R. Vela, Carlos C. Vela, and 7 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Elvira Lee, Jesus Vela, and Ernestina Preston. Services are under the direction of Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City. A mass will be held today, Friday, April 17, 2015 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City.

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