Mr. Roberto R. Vela, age 76, of Hart, passed away Monday, December 23, 2013. He was born February 28, 1937, in Rio Grande, Texas to Justo and Guadalupe (Rios) Vela. He married Ninfa Martinez on December 14, 1973, in Hart, Michigan. They were married forty years. Mr. Vela was an auto mechanic and horseman who enjoyed hunting, dancing, and traditional Spanish music. He liked to watch movies, especially those starring John Wayne. He always placed others before himself, lending a helping hand to those in need, and volunteering for Good Samaritan.

Roberto is survived by his wife, Ninfa Vela; four daughters, Delia Vela and Rosa Rodriquez, both of Corpus Christi, Texas, Claudia Perez and Maria Monczunski, both of Hart, Michigan; four sons, Ruben Vela of Corpus Christi, Texas, Roberto Vela, Jr., Adrian Vela, and Juan Hernandez, all of Hart, Michigan; twenty-six grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Arcelia Gibbs, Rachael Rios, Pauline Cantu, and Janie Cantu, all of Houston, Texas ; and one brother, Raul Vela of Corpus Christi, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Destiny Vela, on August 22, 2012; and a brother, Martin Alaniz.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Vela will be offered on Friday, January 3, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hart with Father Phillip Sliwinski officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at King Funeral Home. The family requests that any memorials be directed to the King Funeral Home for funeral expense.