Moises Vicente

Vela, Sr.

The Rio Grande Valley has lost one of its most prolific and beloved community leaders. Moises Vela passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 11, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with dementia and other ailments. His infectious smile and charming personality lit up every room he entered. Known by some as Judge Vela for his decades of service as Municipal Court Judge in his hometown of Harlingen or for his tenure as the only County Judge from northern Cameron County, and yet to others he was Mr. V, Mr. Vela, Big Moe, Moe, Mr. Moe, Tio or Compadre, but no matter what you called him or what role he played in your life, you couldn't help but love, admire and respect this giant among men.

In spite of his 50 + year career as an attorney and Judge, he considered his wife, five children, 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, the highlights of his journey. Moises Vela is survived by his soulmate and partner of 62 years, Mary Jo Vela, his five children and their spouses, Patsy Vela, Luti Vela Gude, Moe Vela Jr, Manny Vela (Amy) and Pepper Arguello (Bass) and his amazing grandchildren and great grandchildren who knew and loved him as Pipo---David (Nisha), Leiden and Deccan, Javier (Alyssa) and Alyxia, Danny (Megan), Benjamin and Olivia, Marika, Brianna (Derick), Manny Mac (Ashley), Alyssa (SanJuan), Bianca, Tomas and Esteban. He is predeceased by his father and mother, Roberto and Maria Luisa Vela, and his siblings, Tere, Eva, Licha, Roberto, Antonio, Filemon and Carlos. He is survived by his one remaining brother, Patricio.

Judge Vela dedicated his life to improving his community and played various leadership roles in organizations and institutions throughout his career. From the Boys and Girls Club of Harlingen, Lions Club, Jaycee's and the Vietnam War Selective Service Draft Board to former Chairman of the Board of Regents of Pan American University (UTRGV), little league coach and too many roles to mention, Moises Vela deeply cared about creating a brighter and more prosperous future for the youth and the future of the Valley. His legacy will forever impact thousands of students as they walk the halls of Moises V. Vela Middle School----an honor that was bestowed on him and that he described as "there are no words to express what an honor this is and how humbled I am to have my name placed on this institution---may the students who walk these halls remember that education is the true equalizer in life."

Vela was a proud veteran of the United States Army and saw combat in the Korean conflict. He often shared his memories of proud service in the frozen tundra of Korea that were etched in his mind. His last 18 months of life were spent in the Veteran's wing of the Retama Manor Nursing Home in Harlingen, Texas. Until he could no longer, he wheeled himself from room to room and down the halls, spreading his trademark love and charm.

The Vela family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Doctors and staff at Valley Baptist Medical Center, Retama Manor Nursing Center, Solara Hospital and Kindred Hospice---their care, attention and love for Judge Vela and the family will never be forgotten. A special thanks to his faithful and loving caregivers, Eliel Creado and Magda Delgado. The Vela Family would like to thank all the friends and parishioners who continually prayed and visited our beloved husband and father.

Moises Vela was a man of deep and abiding faith and as he requested, the Rosary will be recited on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1509 New Combes Highway, Harlingen, Texas at 7 pm. A Mass in celebration of Judge Vela's life will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 10 am and the burial will also be on June 16, 2017 at the Rio Grande Valley State Veteran's Cemetery, 2520 S. Inspiration Rd, Mission, Texas at 2 pm.

Visitation is on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 from 1-9 pm at Trinity Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave. Harlingen, Texas and also on Thursday, June 15, 2017 from 1-4 pm at Trinity Funeral Home and again from 5-7 pm at Queen of Peace Catholic Church prior to the Rosary at 7 pm.

Judge Vela's six grandsons, David Gude, Javier Cavazos, Danny Gude, Manny Mac Vela, Esteban Vela and Tomas Vela will be pallbearers and will be accompanied by his nephews, Congressman Filemon Vela, Jr. and Rafael Vela. Honorary pallbearers will be Eliel Creado, Eddie Yanez, Sonny Yanez and Roberto Vela, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, if someone is so graciously inclined, the Vela Family would humbly suggest that contributions be mailed to The Moises Vela Memorial Fund at 2327 North First, Harlingen, Texas 78550. The Fund will be managed by Mary Jo Vela and she will donate to the various charities that she and Judge Vela have supported in his memory and name.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550.