Roman Velez Sr., also known as "Chona", passed away on Wednesday, June 13, at the age of 82.  He was born February 29, 1936 to Louis Velez, Sr. and Juanita Borjas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alejo, Felix, Antonio, Joe, Refugio and by his only sister Celia Ortiz and the mother of his children Lupe Velez Bermea.  Roman was a hard working man and always provided abundantly for his family.  He worked many years for the Marvin McMillan family.  He spent many years sheep shearing and working at the cotton gin.

Mr. Velez is survived by his children: Roman Velez Jr. and wife Phyliss of Christoval, Hilda Gierisch and husband Terry of Mason, Valentin Velez and wife Letty of Mason, Enrique Velez and wife Deanna of San Diego, California, Melissa Velez of San Angelo, Zelma Martinez and husband Abel of Mason and Beatrice Zepeda and husband Miguel of Georgetown, 2 brothers Louis Velez Jr .of San Antonio and Paul Velez of Kyle, 15 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren on the way

A Rosary will be held on Friday, June 15, at 6:30 in the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16, at 10:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Crosby Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Colby Joe Velez, CB Martinez, Lucas Velez, Miguel Zepeda, Abel Martinez, Terry Gierisch, Juaquin Velez and Ryan Schmidt. Honorary pallbearers are Erika Velez Schmidt, Lupe Velez, Keagan Velez, Naomi Velez, Mariah Velez, Jessica Velez Garza, Khristina Sanchez, Kaci Sanchez, Adan Zepeda, Abby Zepeda, Miguel Zepeda Jr., and Missy Gierisch.