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Vela, Michael A.

May 3, 1956 –
 February 9, 2019

Obituary

Michael “Tony” Anthony Vela was born on May 3, 1956 in Dallas, TX to Amado Luna Vela and Jessie Card Vela.   He was raised in Dallas and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1974.   He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas in Arlington in 1984.   He worked for the Texas Society of CPA’s for 27 years as a Developer/Analyst and IT Manager.  He was currently working for GW Communications in Coppell, TX as a System Integration Engineer.   Tony had lived in many areas of the Dallas area and spent 15 years in Wimberley, TX where he raised his 2 sons. Tony was a very devoted father.   While his sons were growing up in Wimberley, he became involved in their extracurricular activities as a scout master, little league baseball coach, soccer coach, and even participated in local theater with Kevin.    He was also a member of the Wimberley Lions Club where he was part of the early morning BBQ crew for the Lions Market Days. Tony is remembered as a kind man, a loving father, a devoted husband and companion by his family and friends.   His empathetic nature led many to seek out his advice and support.  Tony’s legacy lives on in the baseball stands, in the spotlights of rock and roll stages, and in the hearts of his family.  Those who knew Tony were lucky to have such an opportunity. Tony is survived by his wife of 30 years, Laura Roeder Vela, 2 sons, Michael Murphy Vela of Denver, CO and Kevin Luna Vela of Austin, TX, daughter, Christina Ryan Bermes of Billings, Montana and 2 grandchildren, Jazmine and Quinn Bermes of Billings, Montana, his brothers Reynaldo Vela and Ernest Vela of San Antonio, TX, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and loving brothers and sisters in law. Tony was preceded in death by this mother, Jessie Vela and his father, Amado Vela, of Dallas, TX, his sister Virginia Vela Flesher of West Virginia, and his brother Raymond “Bingo” Vela of San Antonio, TX. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, 12:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church located at 2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75023.  Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a reception at the church activity hall. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to Tony’s favorite charities are welcomed: your local animal shelter or Hope’s Door New Beginning Center in Plano, TX.    

    Russell Lewis "Lew"
    18 Feb 2019
    2:00pm

    Laura and family I am so sorry for your loss.

    18 Feb 2019
    2:01pm

    Tony was a great friend to all of us. He and I met when we both were 7 or 8. We lived on Gaspar Dr in Dallas for all of our formative years. We eventually took our ” talents” one street north and helped form a friendly band of kids into the “Clover gang” We all have stayed in touch over the years. Tony will be missed. He was funny, caring and kind. I love you Tony; you are in a better place now. Save a place for the rest of us. Your bud, Lew

    Russell Lewis"Lew"
    18 Feb 2019
    2:03pm

    Tony was a great friend to all of us. He and I met when we both were 7 or 8. We lived on Gaspar Dr in Dallas for all of our formative years. We eventually took our ” talents” one street north and helped form a friendly band of kids into the “Clover gang” We all have stayed in touch over the years. Tony will be missed. He was funny, caring and kind. I love you Tony; you are in a better place now. Save a place for the rest of us. Your bud, Lew

    Cathy Williams
    18 Feb 2019
    4:00pm

    I wanted to express my sincere sympathy to the Vela family.. I worked with Tony for just a little while but I felt like I knew him for a very long time. Tony was a very special friend to me. Tony had the biggest heart and I will never forget what he told me one day….. I was talking about my boyfriend and how silly he was…Tony said.. you have to remember ” Men are different…. give him a break !! He always made me laugh… miss ya Tony !!

    John Cherri
    19 Feb 2019
    9:48am

    Tony was a great friend. I miss his humor and kindness. Thanks for the great memories.

    Jimmy Spoonemore
    20 Feb 2019
    10:52am

    Tony thank you for your love and support. You are a good man one of a kind, funny, intelligent and most of all a very caring person. You will be deeply missed by all that new you. I will cherish the time I knew you. Every time I am jamming to the Beatles I will know you are there jamming with me Love ya Brother. And again my friend I want to thank you for the love and support you have given to me and my family you will always be close to my heart.
    Love,
    Jimmy Spoonemore

    Chrissie Waugh
    20 Feb 2019
    4:29pm

    Although we met just once, I have known you for over years. I will never forget the night I had my amazing tour of Dallas. You were the kindest funniest man and you will live on in the hearts of those who loved you. I am blessed to count you as my friend and thank you for sharing part of your journey with you. R.I.P. dear Tony. Till we meet again. Much love

    Ali Allie
    21 Feb 2019
    2:31pm

    I was shocked and devastated to hear about Tony’s passing. He and Laura were sitting next to me at the Memorial service not that long ago for Diana Spoonemore who worked for Tony for many years in the IT Department of the Texas Society of CPAs. Little did I know I would never see him again. My heart aches for Laura and their sons as well as for their family.
    Tony was very special. I worked with him at the Texas Society of CPAs for 22 years and we sat together at each Midyear Board and Annual Meeting of the Society – Tony in charge of the power points and A/V and I took the minutes of the meetings. HIs sense of humor was unparalleled. In any situation, there was bound to be a funny comment or story from Tony. He made me laugh all the time.
    My deepest condolences to Laura, the boys and their family. Tony will be sorely missed. May He Rest In Peace.

    Mike Raffetto
    21 Feb 2019
    3:34pm

    I met Tony when he started work at Texas Society of CPA’s. We always had fun taking gabs at each other. Tony his boss and I would go for lunch at Dave and Buster in the 90’s eat fast and play baseball game that paid with baseball cards. When we went to a Ranger game we would bet dollars on everything from would the pitcher throw his rosin bag on the mound or the grass. Tony you were a great friend and will be missed. Laura you and your family are in my prayers

    Mark Powell
    21 Feb 2019
    7:55pm

    Tony was one of my first friends when I moved to the neighborhood. I was part of the “LEW” gang and I treasure those moments. I can’t remember how many times we both sat up watching “wolfman Jack” and horror theatre on Friday nights. We had the best neighborhood football team and Xmas tree forts ever. One of my greatest memories was when his Dad Amando instructed me on the professional way to de-bone a chicken. At the time I was fascinated but now I am thankful. Tony and I share many childhood memories and I will forever cherish them. I am truly sorry that I did not meet and re-aquatint when he moved beck to the metro area from Wemberly. Tony, rest in peace brother. I am not far behind and we can catch up. Laura, GOD bless you and the family. Peace be with you.
    Mark Powell

    Bradley Ellis
    22 Feb 2019
    8:42am

    Back in the day, Tony and I played in a rock band together, and in a country band together. Those were good times, wonderful shared experiences. Tony was a great friend, a quick wit, and a fine guitar player. Dude! Vic Savage has left the building.

    Angela Hilton
    23 Feb 2019
    9:30am

    Tony was a sweet, fun and interesting guy. Always a pleasure to be around. His love for Laura will forever be legendary. Showco/Vari-Lite benefitted from his expertise and work ethic. Lots of love and hugs to you Laura

    Debbie Brown Jarvis
    25 Feb 2019
    11:49am

    Tony is my oldest friend. He and Jessie and Amos (Amado) moved across the street on Gaspar when I was 4 and he was 8. The first time Jessie invited me inside, War of the Worlds was on TV and she gave me a piece of cheese. LOL Tony used to invite me over to play records – he had the most amazing room, with posters covering every inch, and a life-size black-light painting of Aqualung on his closet door. He really opened up my musical world. He also let me tag along to band practices – I was invisible, but I was enthralled. We also watched a lot of Monty Python – my humor and wit was shaped by his influence early on. His mama Jessie and my Mama were best friends. Though our lives took separate paths, he has always been a huge part of who I am – like my big brother. My heart bleeds. Though I have not met Laura and the boys, my heart goes out to them – I know how much he treasured them.

    Jan Pestinger
    25 Feb 2019
    10:19pm

    Thoughtful, kind, beautiful spirit, loving husband and father, Tony was loved by all and he would light up a room with his charming smile and great wit…my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Laura.

    Rae Lynn Wilson
    28 Feb 2019
    8:20am

    I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Tony was a genuinely nice person and I enjoyed working with him so much. He always had something nice to say and never talked down to those of us who were not as brilliant as he was. I will miss working with him.

    First Presbyterian Church Karnes City, TX
    2 Mar 2019
    11:55pm

    First Presbyterian Church of Karnes City sends their deepest sympathies to the Vela family. We are sadden by the loss of Tony and Bingo just prior to Tony. Tony was one who helped us grieve the loss of Bingo through humor. Tony is and was an incredible man of God. Vela family know that we walk with you in this journey of grief and that we pray that God will help ease your pain and sense of loss and guide into the full celebration of joyous memories about the love and legacy that Tony blessed the world with. Our love and prayers remain with you all. Blessings, Pastor Jen Mitchell and the family of FPC Karnes City, TX.

    Judy Neathery
    9 Mar 2019
    7:14pm

    Tony was my friend and colleague for more than 25 years. He was smart, funny and kind. He had a brilliant mind and excelled at finding solutions to complex problems; he took pride in his work. But Tony was most proud of being Laura’s husband and a dad to his kids. Family meant everything to him. My most heartfelt condolences to his family. Judy Neathery

    John Aceves
    11 Mar 2019
    11:02am

    I had known Tony since my family move next door to them back in Dec. 1966.
    His parents Amos and Jessie were the nicest neighbors we ever had. I always enjoyed visiting with them.
    Tony had always been an influence in my life. Even though I was 3 years younger then him, (back in grade school 3 years was a big difference), he would let me hang around with him and his other friends.
    I always enjoyed listening to his band practice in his garage. He would at times let me tag along with him when he would go hang out with his friends that were his age group. He was like a big brother to me, teaching me how to play soccer, football, pool and baseball. I really enjoyed playing football across the street at Charles Wise’s house and on the school ground at Steve C. Foster, with Toney and the other neighborhood kids. After he graduated from High School, he was never too busy to visit with me whenever we’d see each other in our front yards. I had the pleasure of going to a few of the Ranger game with him. I also had the pleasure and honor of getting to work for and with him at the Texas Society of CPAs for 17 years. He was my manager for the first few years before he switched titles to Web Master and move to one of our satellite locations in Austin, (Wimberley). We of the IT department always enjoyed his visits when he had to come into the office in Addison / Dallas. It was really grate having him back in the main office when he moved back to take his old title of IT Manager. Tony was a good friend and always had your back, he was very smart and intelligent, he was always eager to help solve a problem. He was an encourager and mentor to all around him. He had a great since of humor very witty. He really loved his family, this you could tell by stories he would share about his wife Laura, and his two sons Michael and Kevin. I always enjoyed listening to his stories about his children, they so much reminded me of a younger Tony.
    It burdened my hart to hear of his passing away. My deepest condolences go out to Laura, Michael, Kevin and the rest of the family.
    Tony is truly missed by this old friend, I won’t say goodbye but rather, see you later old buddy.

    Judy Neathery
    11 Mar 2019
    1:44pm

    Tony was my friend and colleague for more than 25 years. He was smart, funny, kind and talented. He took pride in his work. But he was most proud of being Laura’s husband and dad to his kids. My most heartfelt condolences to his family. We miss him.
    Judy Neathery

    Jim O'Guinn
    15 Mar 2019
    5:32pm

    Whether he was knee deep in code for the TSCPA website or trying to salvage a last minute Powerpoint presentation for someone in the wee hours the morning they were to present it, Tony could always be relied upon to pull the rabbit out of the hat. And usually there would be a bit of “Tony” humor embedded in the final product like a small dog in a precarious position or a Texas Longhorn symbol in a not so hidden spot. He was a tremendous guy with a huge heart and a bizarre sense of humor. I will miss him as will all who knew him. Laura and family you are in my prayers in your loss.

    Dianne Rollin
    16 Mar 2019
    9:21am

    Tony was an awesome coworker, family man and friend. I met Tony when he started working at the Texas Society of CPAs. He was such a likeable and funny guy. He took a lot of pride in his work and was always helpful if you had any IT problems. He is going to be greatly missed and my heart goes out to his family and friends who loved him. Tony you will always be remembered as a terrific person and someone we will never forget.

    Carol Bassinger
    23 Mar 2019
    12:57pm

    I’m so sad to hear of Tony’s passing. I worked with him for four years at TSCPA and enjoyed his humor and kindness. My sincerest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

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