Don Vela, Jr.

Don Paul Vela, Jr., age 49, formerly of Clovis, NM went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2018 in Clovis. He was born on July 8, 1969 in Clovis to the home of Don and Jackie (Downing) Vela, Sr. Don graduated from Clovis High School & attend ENMU. He married Yolanda Fajardo in 1996 in Clovis NM.
Don served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne as a Ranger, sharp shooter and gunner & achieved many awards while enlisted. After serving time in the Army he began a career in construction & excelled as a Superintendent. He loved spending time mentoring others, coaching basketball, watching football, wrestling, fishing, softball and looking at trucks. Don was a fan of country and Christian music. He was such a loving & giving person & always helped his fellowman & community. He loved family gatherings, entertaining his grandchildren with games, as well taking them to amusement parks and he loved traveling. Most of all he loved the Lord and spending time with his family.
Don later married Helen Garcia in 2004 in Lubbock, Texas. Don is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Vela of Lubbock, TX & his father, Don Vela Senior of Clovis NM & leaves behind; daughters, Ariana Vela of Clovis, Dawnmarie Vela of Lubbock, Jennifer Garcia of Lubbock and Amanda Villarreal of Lubbock; sons, Joe Garcia of Washington, Daniel Villarreal of Connecticut and Adrian Villarreal of Lubbock; brothers, Paul Vela of Abilene and Victor Vela of Lubbock; sisters, Torrie Baiza of Lubbock, Tonya Cruz of Washington and Vicky Jara of Lubbock; all of their spouses; plus 7 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers are Kyle Evenson, Christian Sosa, Paul Vela, and Paul Bolanos, and Victor Vela. Honorary bearers are Richard Vela, Sean Evenson, Christian Evenson, Elijah Evenson, Nicholas Cordova & Jimmy Vela.
The family of Don Vela wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Nurse Stacy, Carlos and the staff with Steed Todd Funeral Home, The Najeras, Kissins, Downing & Vela families & the family of Helen Vela who assisted.
Don will be dearly missed by all and will forever be in our hearts.
Private services have been held.