Obituaries

Jesse Vielma, 79, of Del Rio, TX, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026 at North Central Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, surrounded by his wife and children.

Born February 15, 1947, in Del Rio, TX, to Jesus Vielma and Dolores Beltran, Jesse was 1 of 7 children and the youngest son. He served his country with the United States Marine Corps as an F-4-Phantom II Aircraft Structural Mechanic, providing support and maintenance for critical missions during the Vietnam War. He served 6 years with honor and distinction, earning the rank of. Sergeant before an Honorable Discharge in 1972.

After his military service, he studied at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where he would earn his degree in Geography and Urban Development. While attending SWT, he
would meet the love of his life, Sulema Navarro. They would be wed on October 21, 1978 and spend the next 47 years together, honoring and upholding their vows to love one another for better or worse, in sickness, and in health.

He worked as a city planner for both San Marcos and Fort Worth, before making his career as a Tax Auditor for the IRS. He would spend 25 years of dutiful service in this field, while raising his two children in Austin, and supporting his local community through the church.

Jesse loved to stay busy and could often be found outside in nature- enjoying his coffee on the porch, tending to his garden, or tinkering and building in the garage. He loved to fish and enjoyed one final fishing trip in Galveston a few weeks before his death. He was a dutiful servant of God and served as an usher at Mass for 20+ years. He was a hands-on father and grandfather, always cheering from the sidelines at athletic games, music concerts, and award
ceremonies, as well as serving as a Boy Scout Troop Leader.

He was preceded in death by Dolores Beltran - Mother, Arturo Beltran Sr - Brother, Belia Beltran - Sister, Maria Beltran Gonzalez - Sister, Elizabeth Pina - Sister.

Survivors include his wife, Sulema; his children, Rory (Shendella) and Amy (Corey); his three beautiful grandchildren, Isaiah, Abigail, and Everett; and his sisters Rosa Beltran Garcia, and Dora Vielma Ramirez.

His interment at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery will take place on a date still to be determined.