Francisco Vela

Francisco Vela, 74, of Waelder, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021. He was born July 29, 1946 in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico the son of Benito and Hortencia Barrera Vela. He was a production worker with J Bar B Foods in Waelder, where he retired after 22 years of dedicated service.

Francisco was a hard worker and enjoyed yardwork after his retirement. He was an accomplished accordion player and loved time spent with his family and friends. Francisco did not have any children but was very close to his nieces and nephews who he watched grow. They were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his sister: Irene Azua and husban, Guadalupe, of Waelder; brothers: Jose Vela and wife, Maria, of Waelder, Celestino Velaof Waelder, and Armando Vela and wife, Lucia, of Brownsville.

Also surviving are his nieces and nephews: Jose Alfonso Vela, Benito Vela, Nora Gallegos and husband, Rocky, Luis Eduardo Vela and wife, Vanessa, Matilde Vela and husband, Cory Fonseca, Hortencia Ramon and husband, Jose, Rosa Villegas and husband, Joel, Benita Vela and husband, Michael, Marco Antonio Vela, Delfa Vela and husband, Mario, Everardo Vela and wife, Victoria, Adela Vela, Tomas Vela and wife, Estella, Fidencio Vela and wife, Dora, Armando Vela Jr. and wife, Mandy, Cesar Vela and wife, Zeyla, and Michelle Vela and husband, Juan Antonio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Benito Vela and wife, Luisa; and nephew Heriberto Vela.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2021 with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Deacon Alphonso Moreno officiating. Interment will follow at the Waelder Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Luis Vela, Jose Vela, Benito Vela, Everardo Vela, David Airhart and Damian Airhart.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Due to current CDC and State mandates, protective measures regarding social distancing, limited attendance capacity, and use of personal protective masks will be required for the visitation, funeral service and graveside burial rite. Those remotely symptomatic of COVID-19 are politely asked not to attend.