Background
Vela, Filemon B. was born on May 1, 1935 in Harlingen, Texas, United States. Son of Roberto and Maria Luisa Cardenas Vela.
Vela, Filemon B. was born on May 1, 1935 in Harlingen, Texas, United States. Son of Roberto and Maria Luisa Cardenas Vela.
Student, Texas Southmost College, 1954-1956; student, University Texas, 1956-1957; Juris Doctor, St. Mary's U., San Antonio, 1962.
Member Vela & Vela, 1962-1963. Attorney Mexican-American Legal Defense Fund, 1962-1975. Private practice law Brownsville, 1963-1975.
Judge district 107, Texas District Court, 1975-1980. Judge The United States of America District Court (southern district) Texas, Brownsville, 1980—2004. Instructor Law Enforcement College.
Presenter in field.
City commissioner, Brownsville, 1971-1973. Served with United States Army, 1957-1959. Member State Bar Texas.
Married Blanca Sanchez, January 28, 1962. Children: Filemon, Rafael Eduardo, Sylvia Adriana.