Raul L Vela 65, of Visalia, California passed away on January 5th 2021 due to surgery complications.
Raul was born on September 26th, 1955 to Rosa Lopez Vela and Jose Carlos Vela in Texas. Raul’s family moved to California when Raul was just 4 years old where he grew up in Lindsay California.
Raul was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and was a member of many organizations throughout Lindsay and Visalia such as: Jaycees in Lindsay, Knights of Columbus in Visalia and a member of Royal Classic’s Car Club. Raul was a welder and also worked at the Lindsay Olive Plant for many years. Raul was also a true Cowboys fan. Those closest to Raul knew he had an infectious smile and that smile is what he will be most remembered for. Raul loved to dance, he loved to go fishing, he loved bowling, but mostly he loved being a father to his five boys, 1 daughter and grandfather to 20 grandchildren. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned to everyone.
Raul is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Vela, father Jose Carlos Vela and recently his mother of 92 years Rosa Lopez Vela. He is also preceded in death by his siblings Alma Rosa Vela (Rosie) and Carlos Lopez Vela.
Raul leaves behind his five sons, Raul Vela Jr. (Sarah) of Visalia, Frank Vela (Jessica) of Visalia, Daniel Vela of Farmersville, Alan Vela (Serena) of Visalia, and his youngest son and side kick Christopher Vela of Visalia, his daughter Brandy Johnson (Jason) of Washington, his sisters Esperanza Vela-Robles (Rogelio) of Ivanhoe, Connie Vela Solorio (Ruben) of Ivanhoe, Rebecca Vela Murillo (James) of Atascadero and brother Jose Manuel Vela (Margie) of San Diego. Raul also leaves behind 20 grandchildren who were his world and many nieces, nephews, cousin’s and close friends. Raul kept a prayer in his pocket titled “A Cross in My Pocket” and we encouraged his family and friends of faith to do the same in his memory. The family would truly like to thank all the family members for their donations to Raul’s family for funeral arrangements. We are beyond grateful for your generosity during this difficult time. We love and miss you Dad, we know you are pain free and we have comfort knowing you are with your loved ones in Heaven.
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