Raul Vela

Raul M. Vela, 79 passed away Monday, February 2, 2015.  Services for Mr. Vela will be 2:00 pm Friday, February 6, 2015 at Calvillo Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park under the direction of Calvillo Funeral Home.  Family will hold a celebration of life starting at 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 6, 2015 at Calvillo Funeral Home Chapel.

Raul was born July 30, 1935 in Benavides, Texas to Serapio & Sara Vela.  In his earlier years, Raul trained horses for many years and even trained to be a jockey in Kingsville, Texas at the King Ranch.  After leaving Kingsville, Raul worked in different place including being a derrick hand but never lost his passion for horses. He also enjoyed fishing, working on jig saw puzzles and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by two sons, Reynaldo Vela of Lubbock, Raul Vela Jr. of Ruidoso; four daughters, Norma Otero, Edna A. Vela, Velma Vela all of Lubbock, Rosalinda Zapata of Wolfforth; three brothers, Lionirez Vela of Bishop, John Dix of Corpus, Domingo Vela of Houston; one sister, Alma Olan of Chicago; twenty two grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren.