Bert de la Vega

Humberto Valentin de la Vega was born in Mexico City, Mexico, on April 16, 1929, to Gregorio and Amelia de la Vega. A visitation will be 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Monday, July 1, 2024 in the Elmwood Funeral Home's Family Center, 5750 Hwy 277 South. The funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Pioneer Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive. 

He moved to the United States in 1948 to attend school, and wound up at Oklahoma Presbyterian College, in Durant, where he met the love of his life, Georgia Bruner. They married July 26, 1957.

 Bert was a printer his whole life and in the early 80’s, owned a grocery store and print shop in Trent, Texas. He worked for the Abilene Reporter-News for many years and spent his final years working alongside son, Timothy, at HV Chapman. At age 95 he was still driving and working 3-4 days a week. He always looked forward to going in to Chapman to work and especially loved going on deliveries with Tim.

 Bert loved music, was an excellent guitar player and an amazing singer. He enjoyed playing gospel and bluegrass music. He played in a bluegrass group, Country Grass, and his wife was also a member. He often played for residents of nursing homes or in jam sessions with friends. He made it a goal to cultivate a love of music in his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

 Bert became a citizen of the United States in 2018, at the age of 89. He was a devoted follower of Jesus and instilled a value of faith in his family. Up until his last days, he shared his love of Christ with others. He was a kind, loving person. He loved to laugh, make people laugh and could occasionally be quite the prankster.

 Bert was preceded in death by his parents, Gregorio and Amelia; his sisters, Sara, Guillermina and Carmen; and his son, James Gregory; and grandson, Keith de la Vega.

 He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Georgia of Abilene; his daughter Adrienne de la Vega of Abilene; son Stephen de la Vega and his wife Karen of Plano; and Timothy de la Vega and his wife Gayla, of Abilene. He is also survived by grandchildren, Alison Wakefield and her husband Robert,of Potosi; Aaryn Engel and her husband Stewart of Abilene; and Nick Falkinburg of Waco. There are also great grandchildren, Victoria, Audrey, Emily, Dani, Brayston, Robert “Mini Bob”, and JackJack. Plus a multitude of folks who loved him.