Joseph L. Varela, 63, a lifetime resident of Las Vegas, passed away on May 3, 2015 in Las Vegas.He was born on Jan. 11, 1952 in Las Vegas to the late Thomas H. Varela and Aurelia Polaco Varela.He was a retired welding instructor, having taught at Luna Community College for 21 years. Joseph was a former Las Vegas police officer, industrial trainer at NMBHI and retired fire chief of the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking and riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed carpentry, mechanical work and car restoration. A Catholic, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas H. and Aurelia Varela; and brother Thomas Varela.He is survived by his wife, Kathy E. Varela, of the family home; sister, Elaine Gonzales and husband, Leo, of Rio Rancho; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas. Funeral Services will be conducted at 9 a.m. on Friday also at Immaculate Conception Church with Father George V. Salazar as celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Las Vegas with the following serving as casket bearers: Bobby Jaramillo, Victor Martinez, Ray Herrera, Chris Baca, Jerry Jaramillo and Kirk Ludi. Serving as Honorary bearers will be Paul Rosal, Juan Baca, Leo Gonzales, Carl Gonzales and Ray Gutierrez.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014 ,Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.A public viewing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Rogers Chapel.Visit Rogers Mortuary's website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign their online register book.Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary; 600 Reynolds Avenue, Las Vegas; 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.