Born in Harlingen, Texas, Vela was a private in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959, and received a Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1962.
Vela was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 18, 1980, and received his commission the same day.
He assumed senior status on May 1, 2000, serving in that capacity until his death on April 13, 2004, in Harlingen.
[1] Vela presided over the capital murder trial of drug lord Juan Raul Garza.
[3][4] Their three children include Filemon Vela Jr., who was elected to the United States Congress in 2012.