Daniel Mendoza Vela Jr.

Daniel Mendoza Vela Jr., born on February 26, 1938, in Weslaco, Texas, peacefully passed away on March 18, 2026 at the age of 88 in Sweetwater, Texas at his residence of Sweetwater Healthcare Center. The family wanted to express their appreciation to the staff at the Healthcare Center, as well as the Hospice Staff for their continued care and support that was shown to Daniel and his family.

Daniel was a member of the community of Monahans for over 70 years. He worked in multiple areas, as a young man he was employed at the Coca-Cola Plant in Monahans, then later worked at the Administration Building for the Monahans ISD. Later in his life he was self- employed operating his own Janitorial Business until his retirement at the age of 65.

Daniel was known for his outgoing and conversational spirit as well as his self-sacrificing spirit when it came to helping anyone in need. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia Gonzalez and her husband David, as well as his two grandsons, Beniah and Raines Gonzalez, all of Sweetwater, Texas, and his daughter Donna Pineda of Big Spring Tx, and his grandchildren Taylor and Caleb. Grandchildren from his daughter Rebecca Sanchez, Amy, Rachel and Zena. As well as his sisters and brother Ninfa Juanita Vela from Katy Tx, Viola Rodriguez, Belen Davis, Francis Gibour all of Monahans Tx, Robert Vela from Odessa Tx, Diana Vicente of Cypress Tx and Lydia Vela from Council Bluff, Iowa.

Daniel was preceded in death by his wife Vita Vela, his father and stepmother Daniel Vela Sr and Paula Vela and his mother and stepfather Maria Garcia and Ferman Garcia, his daughter Rebecca Sanchez, his sisters Sally William and Ninfa Armenta, and his brothers Harvey Vela and Phillip Vela.

Daniel was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he worshipped with fellow believers at the local Kingdom Hall. He made his public dedication on June 10,1967. For 58 years he expressed his faith as an integral part of his life, providing him with strength and comfort.

Daniel’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him. His zeal for the ministry, his outgoing spirit, and his firm faith in the truth will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.

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