Felix Vela Gutierrez

Felix Vela Gutierrez, age 69, passed away surrounded by his children on Saturday, October 9, 2021, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born on October 25,1951, to Juan Gutierrez and Lilia Vela Gutierrez in Alice, Texas.

Felix grew up in Alice and was a graduate of William Adams High School, Class of 1970. He was drafted to the States Army in late 1970 where he proudly and honorably served. During this time, he earned an Expert M-16 Marksmanship designation and was the only drafted serviceman (and only Latino) selected to attend specialized training for Computer Technology via IBM. Upon completion, he served as a Communications Support Services Specialist (E-4) in Nuernberg, Germany. Felix called Corpus Christi home where he lived, raised his four children, and worked. He dedicated 35 years of civil service to the United States Government-Department of Defense serving first as a punch card operator then transitioning to computer specialist supervisor at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Medical Clinic.

One of a kind with his cool-cat style, Felix strummed to the beat of his own guitar. Patriarch of his family, he was a humble, discerning man of faith. A lover of music, peace, nature, spirituality, and philosophy among other things like wood working and country and western dancing; Felix shared his joy of these subjects and his creativity with family, especially his children. His guitar or music book were never far from reach and most visits often merited an impromptu serenade of a favorite song or one of his own creations. Felix enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Aransas Pass, a place of peace and coming together to spend time with his pride and joy—his family. He truly cherished the time spent with them. He was pillar of strength and a mentor for many who readily and often sought his sage advice. He led by example but was always open to learn too. He is dearly loved and greatly missed by all that knew and love him.
   
Felix is preceded in death by his parents; Juan Gutierrez, Lilia (Vela) Gutierrez, his sister, Janie Gutierrez Salinas, his brother, Hector Gutierrez and his grandson, Ryland Wyatt McCord.

Survivors left to cherish his memory are his children; Felix Joseph Gutierrez, Jesikah Liana Gutierrez, Juan Daniel Gutierrez (Bertha Yvette Gutierrez) and Rebecca Grace Allen. Grandchildren; Claudia Graciela Meade (Richard Maruffo III), Oscar Alejandro Meade, Isaiah Meade, Sarah Julia Meade, Ramona Grace Allen, Liliana Danielle Gutierrez, and Layla Rose Gutierrez. Great-Granddaughter; Lola June Maruffo and Felix’s brothers; Javier Gutierrez and Alvaro Gutierrez, sister-in-law; Carmen Gutierrez; their children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:30AM to 11:30AM on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Corpus Christi Funeral Home, 2409 Baldwin Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas 78405. A Rosary and Funeral Service will begin at 11:30 a.m. that same morning. Livestream of the services will be available. Interment to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Coastal Bend State Veteran’s Cemetery located at 9974 Interstate Highway 37, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410, a procession to immediately following funeral service for a cemetery pavilion memorial service with Military Honors to conclude all services.

Arrangements are entrusted to Corpus Christi Funeral Home located at 2409 Baldwin Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78405. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Felix’s memory to your favorite charity or pay it forward with an act of kindness. 

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