Antonio F. (Tony) Vela passed into the arms of Our Lord on July 9, 2020, in Blanco, after a long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his partner of 43 years, Michael Green; his children, David John Thaddeus Vela, Judith Olivia Vela D’Amato (John), and Eric Antonio Vela Engberg (Tracy); grandchildren, Alexandria Dyanne Vela Licea (Maurilio), Anthony Grant Vela (Hillary), Shelby Dyanne Engberg Mujica (Yorger), Eric Antonio Engberg, Jr., Waylon Garrett Engberg, Wyatt Allan Engberg, and Krista Elizabeth Vela; Great grandchildren, Elias Rey Vasquez, Jax David Ibanez, Vaughn Anthony Vela, Knox Antonio Licea, and Kaisley Jane Licea; sister, Linda Vela Hinojosa (Jesus); and many nieces and nephews. He was as Tony to some, Senor Vela to others, and for the rest, he was known as Da.

Tony was born on Feb. 7, 1937, in Mexico City, Mexico. He graduated from Mercedes High School in Mercedes, Texas, and after a stint in the Army, enrolled in Pan American College. He was active in the civic players and the student government, where he served as speaker of the house. He graduated in 1960, and began teaching in Harlingen in 1961.

While at Pan American, Tony met Dyanne Hines, the mother of his children. He and Dyanne married in 1961. Their four children Phillip, David, Judith, and Eric soon followed.

In 1970, Tony joined the staff at Pan American University as director of student affairs. He booked such acts as: Cheech and Chong; Jose Feliciano; Lily Tomlin and more. In 1976, he took a year off to complete his master’s degree at Michigan State University, then he returned to Pan American as assistant dean of students.

In 1982, Tony began working for AISD. Tony and Michael moved to Austin and later, Dripping Springs. While in Dripping Springs, Tony enjoyed country life and raising animals. In 1989, he began raising grandchildren with the birth of Alex, and later, Anthony. He became a founding member of the 290 Playhouse, sitting on the board of directors and directing several plays.

In 1986, Tony joined the faculty at Blanco ISD. He taught Spanish and directed the UIL one-act plays. He became active in the local CAT Theater and later in city politics as a councilman.

Tony shared his passions with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He cared about his friends, students and community and inspired many with his selfless acts and words of wisdom. Tony showed kindness and respect to everyone and never hesitated to help those in need. Tony lived a full life, sharing his family values as a teacher, mentor, parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent. His legacy lives on through his family and individuals who were impacted by his principles and beliefs.

Tony was preceded in death by his son, Phillip Sidney Vela; parents, Olivia Hinojosa and Antonio F. Vela, Sr.; and sister, Maria Maximina (Minnie) Vela Stamper.

No funeral services will be held at this time due to COVID19. The family plans to host a memorial in Blanco later this year.