Nefi Vela

Nefi Vela was born on September 7, 1944, in Alice, Texas, to Geronimo Vela and Raquel Palacios. He entered the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, leaving a life distinguished by unwavering strength, a diligent work ethic, love for family, and a dedicated enthusiasm for golf.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Norma Torres, Nivia Ramirez, Noemi Vasquez, and Noelia (Pilin) Ybarra ; brothers Noel Vela, Noe Vella, Norberto “Bove” Vela, and Pedro Gonzalez Sr.

Nefi proudly served our country with a combined twenty years in the US Navy and the US Air Force, and spent his early years in Austin, Texas working another twenty years as a computer analyst for the Department of Veteran Affairs.  Reuniting with the love of his life, he later retired and moved back to Alice, Texas to enjoy the fruits of his labor and build a life of adventure and memories with their blended family.  

Nefi is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Lydia Vela, daughters Norma (Bradley) Williams, Nora Pulido, Marisela (Chris) Peña, and Rosie Garcia; son Hector (Betty) Villarreal, granddaughters Maria Mead, Olivia Pulido, Christina (David) Rice, and Hope Pena; grandsons Dave (Stephanie) Villarreal, Hector (Steph) Villarreal Jr., Zachary Villarreal,  several beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and honorary navy shipmates Pastor Rick Bloom, Darrell Landry, and Don Landry. 

He is remembered for his dedication to the Texas Longhorns, his unwavering support of the Dallas Cowboys, his ability to overcome many things, and his distinctive sense of humor. In the latter part of his life, Nefi made the most important decision of all – he gave his life to Jesus Christ.  With recent health challenges, this new faith became a source of peace, renewal, and a wonderful display of hope for spectators around him. 

Though his time here on earth has ended, his story does not.  And we rejoice in this new chapter with a Memorial Service to celebrate his life on Friday, April 17th from 3:00-5:00 PM at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice TX 78332.  A private burial service will be held at Coastal Bend State Veteran’s Cemetery the following week.

Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St, Alice, Texas, 78332.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook. 

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