Clyde C. Vela

April 29, 1935 – September 22, 2022

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the last senior member of our family. Clyde C. Vela, 87, formerly of Sprague, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 22, 2022. He had recently been living at the Bishop Place Enhanced Care facility in Pullman, Washington after living with his daughter since his wife's passing in November 2021.

Clyde was born on April 29, 1935, in Harlingen, Texas to Clyde Claro Vela and Sophie Castillo. He was one of nine children. Clyde left home at a very young age and traveled wherever work took him. He joined the Army during the Korean War and worked in the motor pool division. Clyde found his way to the Moses Lake area after his military service was complete where he met his wife of 61 years.

Clyde and Carol were married in 1959. It was during this time that Clyde began working for the railroad where he would retire after 35 years of dedicated service. Clyde and Carol had three children, Ronna, Richard and Clyde "Tri" (Robin) and settled in Sprague, Washington where they spent 59 years.

Clyde was an accomplished guitarist and vocalist and formed the band The Vikings with his best friend, Pete. They played for several years and had many fans.

Clyde was one of the most generous and giving people. He never hesitated to pitch in and help with projects in the community. He was a Little League coach, women's softball coach, Cub master, Rainbow Girl escort, float driver and horse master along with a myriad of other volunteer work. He could never say no.

Clyde was most happy when he was outside doing anything. He raised many farm animals and assisted Carol with her famous garden. He was a part-time mechanic, but a full-time dad. He never missed a game or opportunity to cheer his kids on. He could always be found on the sideline of not only his kids’ games but his grandkids’ games as well. And he didn't even need to have family playing to attend the high school basketball games in the arena every March until his health prevented his attendance.

Besides his children, Clyde is survived by his sisters Eloise, Maggie and Juanita; brothers Greg and Nat; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, old friends and Stripes. Preceding Clyde in death were his wife Carol, father, mother, stepfather, brother Simon, sisters Eva and Francis, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, son-in-law and others too numerous to list, unfortunately.

The family wishes to thank Corbiell Funeral Home in Pullman, Washington for their compassionate care of Clyde and the staff at Bishop Place who got to know and love Dad in a very short time.

A Celebration of Life potluck will be held on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at 3605 N. Stevenson Road, Otis Orchards, Washington.