WICHITA - Jesus Velasquez "Chickey" Vieyra, 88, of Wichita, died Dec. 3, 2010, at Via Christi Hospital-St. Francis in Wichita.

He was born Jan. 23, 1922, in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Louis Chavando and Bibiana Velasquez Vieyra.

He was a lifetime resident of Hutchinson; moving to Watsonville, Calif. Following his retirement from the Santa Fe Railroad; until 2008 when he returned to Kansas to live with his daughter, following the death of his companion, Mary Pina. He attended Hutchinson High School. He obtained his citizenship in 1945.

He was active until the last week of his life, he was an avid reader, enjoyed taking long walks and spending time with his family. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and a life member of V.F.W. Bob Campbell Post #1361 and GI Forum. He was a proud U.S. Army Tech Sergeant serving in WWII. He was a drill instructor in Camp Walters, Texas.

Survivors include: daughter, Vivian Bribiesca and husband Bobby of Wichita; two brothers, Daniel and wife Sara of Hutchinson, and Trunkalino and wife Linda of Hutchinson; sister, Nellie Garcia of San Antonio, Texas; three granddaughters, Camille Platz of Dallas, Carla Lasater and husband Tom of Wichita, and Candace Karageorge and husband Jason of San Francisco; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and six brothers, Bacilio, Jesus, Rojelio, Pete, Frank, and Charles.

Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Hutchinson, with Father Brian Nelson officiating. Burial at Fairlawn Burial Park.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Rosary 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.