My deepest condolences to Mr. Jose Vela, Jr. and the family. It is a deep sadness that is felt when a loved one passes but God will see you through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace in God's heavenly garden where he will be watching over you and the family. Blessings to all.

Our deepest condolences to Gracie and family. We were deeply saddened when we learned Pepe had passed. Our prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time. May God give you strength and bless you, David & Alma Prieto

My deepest condolence to the family. He will be missed a gentle soul with a great heart . Great memories as we watch our children grow and enjoyed spending time with them all in family. May God bless the family with strength to over come his departure. Until we meet again dear friend.

To the vela family..my sincere and deepest condolences...i met Pepe when we were in 7th grade in the band..the drum section..till this day our friendship was strong and unbreakable..as days turn to weeks and then months and then years..we became more than friends..we became brothers..my parents and grandmother have taken him as a son and grandson..everytime that he was at our house they would say...hola pepe!!!..como estas..tienes hambrè?...queren algo para comer?..he was always welcome at our home just as I was always welcome to he's home..i had the honor and pleasure of meeting he's mom and grandmother..along with he's little brother margarito..him and grace and I would always go the the splash party's at the civic center..and on weekends since grace had to stay at her grandmother's house to take Care for her..pepe and I would be at plamor skating rink all day..we hanged around tasty burger and play a lot of pinball games..between me and a another dear friend and fellow drummer Eddie Rodriquez ( we were the pinball wizards) we would be winning a lot of free games and we played for hours..i will always remember our trips to Mexico that the band would go for the summer..we were also with the jazz band and we would take the instruments to Perform at nights...i can continue all day an d talk about my brother pepe..but in all....it's still so hard to say good bye...grace..you and pepe and your children will always be a big part in my heart and family..i love you all...rest in peace my brother..you will never be forgotten..

My deepest condolences to the Vela family. Thank you Joe for being a great friend. I will miss getting to work and not hearing you sing "louie louie louie lou aaaaaaaaaa". May God Bless the Vela Family. Your Friend Luis Montes Jr.

Condolences to Grace Vela and family. We have many memories of you both through the years. I knew Joe at Martin, hung out with him at Laredo Junior College and was in Dallas with him when he and Grace moved there for a short time before returning to Laredo. I cherish all the memories of the times we had and send prayers to the family. God Bless.

Sent a gift in memory of Jose F. Vela

Lit a candle in memory of Jose F. Vela

Pepe, mi hermano y amigo de toda la vida. Pepe y Gracie siempre fueron y seran mis queridos amigo desde que heramos unos ninos. Me acuerdo cuando eramos monaguillos de San Agustin Catholic Church y nos encantaba participar en la misa de gallo y las posadas Navidenas. Me acuerdo siempre cuando nos quedamos a dormir en su casa en compania de su mama y su abuelita, que fueron tan carinosas y bondadosas y siempre alegres y con una paz de Dios por dentro que se refleja en mi Pepe y su familia. Me acuerdo cuando en Christian Middle School se conocieron Pepe y Gracie. Siempre se querian mucho y fue un orgullo haberles conocido que son parte de mi familia. Pepe fue muy carinoso y amable. Pepe le encataba la banda y tocar el tambor. We won first place in the City of Laredo for 1972 and 1973. Pepe has always been a loving father and a faithful Christian. We enjoyed talking about the Lord Jesus and the goodness of God. I will miss my brother Pepe and will always remember his smile, his friendship and his love. Sincerely, Jose Raul Jatib, Emma, Sofia and Omar Jatib.