I first met Tony Vega, owner of Tony’s Mexican Restaurant, about 15 years ago, when I first started my Christian magazine. He shared with me how he first came to Christ, but not only that, what God delivered him from once he did.
Tony was not ashamed to tell anyone who would ask that before that decision, he was a wreck. Someone he was not proud of. But to whom much is given, much will be required’ (Luke 12:48)
From that day forward, Tony exemplified what it means to be a Christian. He bought an ad from me that day (much more than I was asking for), but his ad had nothing to do with his restaurant; it brought glory and honor to whom he loved most, his Lord.
You could not go to either of Tony’s locations at 2222 Ella Blvd or 17790 Katy Freeway without seeing a Christian scripture or picture every few feet. He was never ashamed by that; he wore it as a badge of honor.
I always looked at Tony as a friend, a mentor, and more importantly, a brother in Christ. Any time I asked how he was doing, no matter his circumstances, his answer was always the same: “Blessed by the Best.
”My friend and brother in Christ went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 2. This world lost a great treasure with his passing, but Heaven gained a true saint. He is survived by his wife, Liz; his nine children: Janet, Mark, Eddy, Abraham, Alejandra, Amanda, Antonio, Leonardo, and Jacob; and three grandchildren.
I cannot help but remember that about this time last year, I was having lunch with two dear friends, Tony, and Kirk Rightmire, at his Katy location. Now both have passed on. Life is short. People act as though they will live forever, but believe me, we do not. When your time comes, will you be prepared as Kirk and Tony were?