Lionel Vela

Lionel Vela, 80, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021, in Laredo, Texas.

He proudly served his country in Vietnam and was a past commander of the DAV. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years and served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Neumann Church. Above all, he devoted his life to his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Faustino Vela and Sofia Vela; siblings, Elisa Vela, Enedina Vela, Delia Campos, Roberto F. Vela, Hector Vela, Ismael Vela, and Noe Vela.

Mr. Vela is survived by his wife, Maria Luz Vela; children, Roberto (Megan Russel) Vela, Araceli (Tom) Ryan, Lionel O. (Stephanie) Vela, and Victoria (Luis) Cazares; grandchildren, Antonio Cazares, Allison Ryan, Dorothy Vela, Hailey Vela, and Mary Ryan. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and Friends.

A rosary will be recited on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 10:15 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow to the City of Laredo Cemetery.

Military Honors will be provided by the Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard and the American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard.

Due to the COVID pandemic and everyone’s safety, the number of visitors will be limited. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and honor the family from a distance. You may express your condolences to the family on our website at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041.