Israel “Lito” Arellano Vences age 68 of League City, Texas received his eternal wings on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Bay Area Regional Medical Center in Webster, Texas.  Israel was born in Mexico City, Mexico on June 07, 1948 to the late Francisca Arellano Zavala and the late Hermilo Vences.

Israel is survived by his wife Cynthia of 47 years, sons Israel Vences Jr., Rafael (Nicole) Vences, daughter Mary Jane (Mitch) Sinisterra, father Arnulfo Zavala, brothers Jesus Arnulfo (Ninfa) Zavala, Victor Manuel (Elma) Zavala, Marco Antonio Zavala, sisters Elva (Alfredo) Ortiz, Maria Leticia (Isabel) Rosales, Narce Dalia Zavala, Martha Elisa (Jose Ortega) Balboa, grandson Andrew Robert Vences, granddaughter Giselle Giuliana Sinisterra and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Israel grew up in the South Texas Rio Grande Valley.  During his childhood, he worked as a migrant laborer harvesting crops while laboring in conditions that most workers consider too demeaning, demanding, and low paying to even contemplate.  This experience laid a foundation of humility, hard work, and resourcefulness that Israel applied to every aspect of his life. After graduating from Donna High School in 1969 Israel proudly served his country by enlisting with the United States Army from 1969 until 1972.  He was a member of the Army’s Signal Corps which operated and maintained the communications infrastructure for the United States Military during the Vietnam War.  After returning from military service Israel earned his Associates Degree in Radio Frequency (RF) Communications from the Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) in Harlingen, Texas.  Subsequent to earning his degree Israel gained employment with Lockheed Martin Corporation as an RF Technician at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center located in Houston, Texas.  Israel supported many aerospace projects during his 41-year career with NASA.  Most notably, he supported the Space Shuttle Program from its inception until the program ended in 2011.  Israel enjoyed working on home projects, grilling, fishing, and spending time with family.  Israel was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 04, 2017 at 10:00am at Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood Drive, Friendswood, Texas.  Military honors will be performed outside the church immediately following the memorial service.  Written condolences may be sent to The Vences Family at 734 Mayhill Ridge Ln., League City, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made “In memory of Israel A. Vences” to:

United Service Organizations (USO)

PO Box 96860

Washington DC 20077-7677