Rafael Veliz, Jr.

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Rafael Veliz, Jr., 85, a lifelong resident of Odem, Texas, passed away on November 9, 2026.

Born on September 23, 1941, Rafael was the son of Rafael Veliz, Sr., and Marcelina Veliz, and one of ten children.

Rafael and his wife, Petra, shared 38 years of marriage. Though the couple had no children of their own, he was blessed with the love of nearly 70 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Rafael retired from Planter’s Co-Op in Odem, Texas, after 35 years of dedicated service. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors, and even in his later years, he enjoyed working around his house, tinkering in his tool shed, tending to his yard, and caring for his cattle on the farm.

Rafael is survived by his sisters, Elida Chavez and her husband, Jose; Tomasa Bocanegra and her husband, Eulogio; Janie Martinez; Mary Cantu and her husband, Sylvester; Maggie Rivera; Frances Escamilla; and Eva Veliz, along with his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael Veliz, Sr., and Marcelina Veliz; his brother, Manuel Veliz; his sister, Guadalupe Veliz; and his beloved wife, Petra.

Rafael will be greatly missed, but his family rejoices in knowing that he has been reunited in heaven with those who went before him, especially Petra, the love of his life.

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A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 4 p.m. to   9 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m. at the Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home in Sinton.  Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 13 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Odem, Texas.  Interment will follow at San Pedro Cemetery.