LOS FRESNOS – A local man who orchestrated a festival in honor of Elvis Presley and dubbed his home “Little Graceland” died last week.

Simon Vega, 81, of Los Fresnos was born on Oct. 8, 1935 and served in the U.S. Army. He also taught at the Los Fresnos Independent School district, as well as a bus driver. He was also a founding member of the Los Fresnos Softball Little League.

While serving in the Army, Vega met the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Years later, he opened up a museum in Los Fresnos and started a festival celebrating Elvis with music and impersonators.

The festival and the museum were featured on the TV show “The Texas Bucket List.”

Rosalva Vega Mezouari, Vega’s daughter, has continued keeping up with the museum. She said with her father’s passing, she isn’t sure at this time if she will keep it open.

Mezourai said she appreciated all the people who visited the museum and the support the family has received.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 15 at Los Cuates Cemetery in Los Fresnos with military honors under the auspices of VFW Post 2035 of Brownsville.