August 2022

Jose Maria “Pepe” Vela was born in Alice, Texas on March 10, 1922, to John H. Vela and Zoila Salazar. As a child he grew up in Alice. He had a younger sister, Corinne. When he was eight years old, the family moved to Falfurrias, Texas where his parents worked as educators on the Lasater Ranch. Several years later the family moved back to Alice where Jose continued his education. He graduated from Alice High School in 1940. During the early 1940’s he worked as an auto mechanic’s helper. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Army Air Force and worked as an airplane mechanic. Jose was honorably discharged in 1945 at the end of World War II. Jose received the American Defense Ribbon, American Theater Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal. After service to his country, Jose attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas where he received his bachelor’s degree in Education. He began his teaching career in Hebbronville, Texas and after a few years returned to Alice. There he met the love of his life Emma Gonzalez. After a brief courtship they were married on July 28, 1957. They had two sons, John Alexander, and Jose Humberto. During his summers off, Jose worked with his father as a cotton salesman. Jose’s teaching career spanned over thirty-five years. After retirement, he continued to be involved with school activities, such as a ticket collector at local school football and basketball games. Jose was also involved with local elections as an election clerk. He began raising cattle in 1985. While retired, he and his wife Emma enjoyed travelling across the U.S. to various casinos. Many of the places they visited included Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Coushatta, Kickapoo, and Tunica. Jose was a simple man with lots of patience. His motto was “Don’t worry about it!”. Perhaps this was the key to his long, fruitful life. He is preceded in death by his Parents, sister Corinne Vela Pennock and son Jose