Lazaro "Larry" Vela passed away peacefully on March 29, 2004 at his home in Fresno, Texas. He was born to Guillermo and Lucy Vela on March 20, 1941 in Houston. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on June 15, 1952. He married Gloria Jean Muth and they have enjoyed 40 years of marriage together. He is preceded in death by both his parents and older brother, Willie Vela, Jr. He is survived by his wife and four children, Tammy Greenwood, Tina Villagomez, Anna Buller, and Tony Vela; his ten grandchildren, Sky, Forest, Hunter, River, Adam, Vanessa, Aidan, Noah, Ian, and Alexa; his sisters, Rosie Ramirez, Janie Garcia, and Teresa Salais.

A member of the Local Carpenters Union #551, he was at his best wearing a tool belt and building something. Musically inclined, he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing with his family. His grandchildren will remember listening and dancing while he played the harmonica.