Obituary of Carmelo Velez

Carmelo Velez, 93, of Niles, passed away at his daughter’s home in Mississippi, on Saturday, February 2, 2019, where he had been staying for just a short time.

Carmelo was born on December 28, 1925, to the late Carmelo and Monsarate (Padin) Velez in Isabela, Puerto Rico.  After graduating from high school, Carmelo went on to attend college for a short period of time and in 1945 he joined the United States Army.  He worked at the Green Giant mushroom canning plant and then as a supervisor for Simplicity Pattern Company before he was hired in as a utility worker for the City of Niles where he stayed until his retirement in 1994.   On January 16, 1952, he wed LaVonde at a ceremony in Niles.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Eaves; brothers, Alfredo, Arseno, Denisio “Dennis”, and Frank; and sisters, Romanita, Juanita, Carmen, Angela, and Marcy.

Carmelo is survived by his wife, LaVonde Velez; children, Carlos (Rosalee) Velez of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Esther (Danny) Redwine of Bruce, Mississippi, and Diana (George) Laird of Water Valley, Mississippi; twelve grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; siblings, John Velez, Alva Lou “Lucy” Velez, Elva Lou “Elva”, Cecelia “Chai”; and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019, at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel from Noon until 2:00 p.m. where it will be concluding with military honors.