Valdemaro "Vel"

G. Vera

Valdemaro G. Vera "Vel", 94, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Solara Hospital in Harlingen after a lengthy battle.

He was born January 31, 1924 in Brownsville, TX to Baltazar Ivan and Matilde Gonzalez. He had to leave high school early to work to help support his family and enlisted into United States Army and proudly served his country. He was a paratrooper and served in the 542nd Airborne Division during WWII, and was honorably discharged. He loved his country and was very patriotic. Vel was a well respected and loved gentleman in the community, that he loved so much. He took great pride in his appearance and health. He loved to dress sharp and always looked good. People would often ask him what his secret was to have such a youthful appearance and he always answered, number 1) God First, number 2) stay active. He was the last living survivor of nine siblings. Valdemaro was a hardworker and good provider, he retired from Richter Baking Co., formerly ButterKrust Bread Co, after many years of service as the fleet superintendent.

He leaves behind to cherish his wonderful memory his children, Edgardo O. Garcia (Elva), Yolanda G. Lopez, Vel Garcia Jr. (Michelle), Dora J. Garcia Young (Greg), Gloria Waldron (Donald), Josie O. Lucio, Yolanda Palomo, Andie Torres (Hugo), Delia Moreno (Emilio), Velma Vera, David Palomo (Jamie) and a close family friend Osvaldo Hernandez; 25 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Felipa "Fela" Vera on November 7, 2016.

Visitation will be held today Friday, January 11, 2019 from 10 am to 9 pm with a service of prayer to begin at 7 pm in the evening.

Funeral service of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10 am at El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church, 806 W. Grant St. Harlingen, TX with Rev. Gricelda Careaga officiating.

Commital Service will follow to Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, La Feria with full military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post 205 and VFW Post 2410.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Vel Garcia Jr., Edgar Garcia, Rolando Huerta, Greg Young, David Palomo and Maxx Perez.

The family would like to thank Solara Hospital Staff for the excellent care and attention that was given to our father while he was in their care.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave. Harlingen, Texas 78550 you can sign the online guestbook or leave a memory at www.trinityfunerals.com