Edward Vela

Edward Vela age 66 of KCK passed away Sunday September 14, 2025 at the Kansas University Medical Center. He was surrounded by his family members throughout his short stay and when he passed. He was born March 16, 1959. He was the son of Louis Vela Sr. and Mary Lou Vela (Padilla). Eddie attended Rosedale and J. C. Harmon High School. Eddie was united in marriage in 1981 to Lisa Lawrence. They later divorced. To this union they shared one daughter, Alysia Cooper. Eddie was involved in boxing and was once a Golden Gloves champion. He boxed at the Bell Center under trainer Leroy Green. He also was proficient in Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Eddie was very talented. He played seven instruments! He could play piano, harpsichord, harmonica, piano, guitar, trumpet, and cornet. Good memories of family get-togethers include Eddie and his brother JR playing music while their sisters sang. Eddie also enjoyed building custom low rider bicycles. He was a cool guy! Eddie definitely enjoyed his alone time but cared deeply about his friends and family. He was also deeply spiritual. His walls were covered in bible verses, and the people he prayed for! He was also a very talented artist, a great dancer, and a stylish dresser. He had his own style! His hat was always at a cocky slant. I think when we think of him it's in his overalls with his Chuck Taylor's as Prima Tish always says. Eddie worked as a banquet server at the Alameda Plaza, which is now the Intercontinental Hotel on the Plaza and at the Hyatt and Barney Alice Plaza in downtown Kansas City. I was told he was known for excellence in cement finishing at Muelberger Constr and McAnany Construction. He is preceded in death by his parents Louis Sr. and Mary Lou; one brother Louis "J.R." Vela Jr. and one sister Susan Prucka of Kansas City. Eddie is survived by his daughter Alysia Cooper and his grandchildren Alyonna Cooper and Jace Clark. His sister Marie Robinson of Kansas City, Missouri and Kathleen (Vela) Taggart and her husband Michael Taggart of Rowland Park Kansas. His niece Dominique “Nikky” Dziedzic and her children, his niece Tiffany Trager and her husband John Trager, his niece Heather Hatfield and her husband Justin and their children, his niece Alison Ledford and her children. His nephew Chris Vela and his wife Nicole and their children, his nephew Josh Vinesett and his son. His nephew Louis Christopher Scott Cline and his partner Amber Gail and Scott’s children and his niece Travis Marie Qualls and her husband Aaron of Gladstone Mo. and their children. He also has multiple aunts, uncles and cousins from Topeka Kansas that were cherished family members. We would also be remiss if we didn't mention his beloved dog Chico that preceded Eddie in death but was his best friend and that Eddie had tattooed on his right leg.

Tributes

Edward Vela

March 16, 1959 - September 14, 2025