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Danny S. Vela passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on December 1, 1950 in San Antonio to Edward Vela and Carmen Sandoval Vela. Danny S. Vela was a graduate from San Antonio Memorial High School and thereafter served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Upon his completion of service to the U.S. Army, he joined the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office providing public service to our community for more than 30 years. Among his many accomplishments, he was honored to be the first to serve Bexar County as Courthouse Security Chief, a newly formed position. He attained the rank of Deputy Chief for the Warrants Division leaving a legacy of leadership having worked his way through the ranks. Deputy Chief Dan Vela was a second generation of law enforcement as his father Captain Edward Vela instilled service above all to his children and grandchildren. It was with great honor that he was able to be a public servant alongside his father, brother, cousins and nephew. To attest to Chief Vela’s compassion and service to uphold safety to all, in March of 2000, Chief Vela, while driving home from work, was stuck in traffic that seemed unusually slow. The Samaritan heart that he has, Chief Vela made his way to a single vehicle that was pulled over on the side of the highway. He witnessed a young mother frantically screaming to please help her young daughter. Chief Vela went right into action, saving the young girl who was choking on a piece of candy. This was the kind of man Danny S. Vela was, kind hearted and a mind set of service above self. He would be honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Red Cross for Courageous Action in Saving a Life. Chief Vela was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Masonry, continuing to provide goodwill service to his community. He also was a member of other law enforcement organizations. Danny Vela and his beloved wife, Maria S. Vela were members of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church for over forty-five years. Chief Vela also served the St. Matthew’s community for over 30 years as Head of Security and Traffic Control, continuing this service long after his retirement. Danny S. Vela was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend to many. He and his wife, Maria S. Vela were blessed with a son, Danny Vela, Jr. Danny S. Vela was a devoted grandfather and loved spending his time with his family. Every Christmas, Danny and Maria Vela opened their home to their extended family, friends and close neighbors to celebrate Christmas and he would dress up as Santa Claus and pass out presents to all the children he welcomed into their home. Everybody left their home with a gift and a smile on their face. Danny S. Vela will be dearly missed and remembered for his loving heart, sense of humor and devotion to family. Mr. Vela was preceded in death by parents Edward Vela and Carmen Sandoval Vela; his brothers, Edward Vela, Jr. and Thomas Vela; and his granddaughter, Danielle Grace Vela. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Maria Sambrano Vela; son, Danny Vela, Jr.; sisters, Betty Jean Nikolaou (John), Debi Farmer and Jo Ann Behrend; brother, Robert Vela (Kimberly); sister-in-laws, Marie Vela, Angie Limon (Robert); grandchildren, Josiah Vela, Lilly Antonia Vela, Madeline Julia Suess; nieces, Lanay Vela, Katerina Nikolaou, Cameron S. Behrend, Brianna Marie Limon; and nephews, Tommy Johnson, Johnny Johnson, Davin Vela, Yianni Nikolaou, Chase S. Behrend, Bryan Powell, Edward Moreno, Danny Vela and Rob Vela. SERVICES Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 6:00pm-9:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 9:45am at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Danny S. Vela

December 1, 1950 - October 28, 2022