ZAPATA, TX---Jaime Abran Vela, sixty eight years of age, was led in peace by the heavenly host to enjoy the glory of heaven on Thursday, February 8, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his father, Emiliano Vela Jr., his beloved mother, Ela B. Vela, and brother, Horacio Ariel Vela.

Jaime leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife of forty-nine years; Karoline Vela, his children, Jaime Vela Jr. (Adriana), Monica Rodriguez (Jesus Franco), and Araceli Chitwood, and grandchildren, Helga Elise Vela, who he raised as his own daughter, Sofia Ivana Vela, Karolina Marissa Ruiz, Kamila Bea Ruiz, and a great grandson, Diego Gael Vela.

He is also survived by his siblings, Rosa Garcia (Cesar), Juan Manuel Vela (Ofelia), Jose Emilio Vela (Maria Elena), Ramiro Orlando (Blanca), Emiliano Vela (Nilda), Sandra Cruz (David), and sister-in-law, Sonia T. Vela, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Throughout his life, Jaime made a positive impact on the lives of many. Known for being a hard worker, he dedicated forty-three years of his life to being a gauger and lease operator in the oilfield.  As a risk taker, his innovative ideas and unwavering determination also afforded him the opportunity of building his own successful business from the ground up, " La Loma Drive Inn."  As an entrepreneur, the profound relationships he built with his customers was the driving force of his life. He was respected for possessing the ability to always help those in need, even if it meant giving the shirt off his back for a cause that was worthy to him.

Jaime's greatest passions were going to his ranch, "Los Melones," and raising cattle, there. He manifested this love in so many ways, whether it was by simply feeding his cattle, hauling them to and from the auction, or comparing the individuals he deeply cared about to a particular breed of cattle.  In addition to loving his ranch and cattle, Jaime, if given an opportunity to take a shot at game, especially deer, was an avid hunter.  He had a deep appreciation for nature and found solace in the beauty of rainwater sinking deeper into the soil because that meant that his Charolais cows would have a more promising growth rate, reproductive and maternal ability; and most importantly, get a portion of their food from the grass that grew in a pasture. His ranch was a sanctuary where he escaped the stresses of everyday life; this is where he found peace.

In this time of sorrow, Jaime will be remembered as a remarkable man, a real character that thought with his heart. He will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation hours will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024 we will open at 8:00 a.m. and a chapel service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.