Jose Antonio Corleto Velado

José Antonio Corleto Velado, age 89, passed away in Bryan, Texas, on Monday, March 10, 2025. Born to Gilberto Corleto and Isabel Velado in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, José graduated from the Military Academy in 1956 and married Almita Mena López in 1957. He served in the armed forces of El Salvador for 24 years. During his tenure in the army, he studied Military Intelligence and was an instructor at the US Army School of the Americas in the Panama Canal Zone. He graduated top of his class at the Command and General Staff School in El Salvador and was awarded a scholarship to attend the Command and General Staff School in Madrid, Spain. He achieved the rank of colonel and served as Commander of the Cavalry Regiment, Director of El Salvador’s Military Academy and Director of the National Guard before he retired in 1979. While in the military, he worked as a riding instructor in his free time and managed his own coffee and later sugar cane plantations.

After his career in the armed forces, he moved to College Station, where he pursued real estate and aviation licenses. In 1982, he enrolled as a non-degree-seeking student at Texas A&M University to prepare for a career in beef cattle farming. In 1984, he and Almita moved to Guatemala, where he bought land and developed successful beef cattle farms. ln 2011, they migrated to the United States to be near family and pursue businesses in aviation and real estate.

José (Chepe, as he was known by his close family and friends) was an exemplary son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, boss, and friend. He was a free spirit who loved traveling, planning, and accomplishing objectives. He touched the lives of many people and worked hard to provide his children with the best opportunities. He led by example, leaving an extraordinary legacy of hard work, integrity, love of family, and faith in God.

He is survived by his wife, Almita; his children, José (Roxanna), Lorena, Carlos (Dyalá), and Claudia (Víctor); his grandchildren, Karen (Jassi), Carlos, Carla (Lee), Daniela, Jose (Melanie), Victoria, Josué (Chloe), Eliana, Sarah, and Nicole; great-grandchildren Analeah, Gio, and Sophie; his brother and sister-in-law; nieces, nephews; and many dear friends. Preceded in death by his parents, siblings and great-granddaughter Lucy Jane Corleto.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CST, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, Bryan, Texas.