Laredo Morning Times

Xavier "Kid" Perez, 86, passed away on July 28, 2022, in Corpus Christi, TX. He was born in Laredo, Texas, on November 7, 1935, to Juanita and Deodoro Perez. He attended St. Augustine Catholic School, Laredo Jr. College and Texas A&I in Kingsville, Texas. Basketball has always been a big part of Xavier's life. With an early start playing basketball in elementary school, he was accomplished enough to play on the St. Augustine Varsity team as an 8th grader. When he was a senior in 1955, his team won District and was a finalist in the State Tourney. He was picked All-District three years and selected to the All-State team in his senior year. He represented Nuevo Laredo in the...

Judge Alvaro T. (Balo) Garza, age 81, passed away July 10, 2022, in San Antonio, TX. He was surrounded by his wife and immediate family as he went to be with his Lord and Savior. Balo is reunited in heaven with his children, Marleni Erica and Alvaro Rene. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, MariaElena (Nena), granddaughter Marleni Renae', and son Kevin, from a previous marriage. Daughter Valerie, son in law Bobby and children, Ella, Zophie, Zane and Analeya. Brothers Abelardo, Amando, Alberto and Arturo. Lastly, his dearest companion and faithful friend, Maximus Doggus, who stayed with him until his passing. Balo was born on November 11, 1940, in Laredo, Texas. He graduated...

Mrs. Luz Elida Rivas McDade, 92, of Refugio, Texas, died at the Westminster Towers Health Center Thursday, June 30, 2022. Mrs. McDade was born in Refugio, Texas on July 24, 1929. She was the eldest of 4 children born to Mr. Nicolas Rivas and Librada Capistran Rivas. She was preceded in death in 2004 by her husband of 47 years, Charles Lewis McDade Jr., born in 1924 in Union, SC. Also preceding her in death were her third brother, Reynaldo Rivas (Karen); granddaughter, Brittany; great-grandson, CJ; and great-granddaughter, Jalene. Luz is survived by her four children, Carlos (Kathy), Lance (Robin), Clinton (Kelly) and Cathy (George); nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her...

The life of James Ridolfo, Sr. of Mission, TX, came to its finale when he fell asleep in death on June 25, 2022. James, Sr., or Jim, as he was known to his friends, was born in Manhattan, NY on July 28, 1933. He was educated at the Universidad de Guadalajara and was employed as a civil engineer with Petr?leos Mexicanos, supervising many industrial projects and pipelines throughout M?xico. In 1964, he met Norma King in Monterrey, M?xico. They were married for 40 years and went on to have 3 children. When he decided to change careers, he studied to become a certified financial advisor and stockbroker, establishing Knorr Financial Services. Later, he reinvented his career again, becoming a...

George Everitte Newman November 12, 1930 - June 25, 2022 George Everitte Newman was called to rest by our Heavenly Father June 25, 2022. George was born on the Newman Ranch in La Salle County, Texas on November 12, 1930. George was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a veteran, civil servant, law enforcement officer, rancher, gardener, and advocate for education. George is proceeded in death by his wife Elizabeth Jean "Betty" Muldrow Newman and his parents George Burleson Newman and Mary Geraldine Lotspeich Newman. He is survived by his four caring daughters; Mary Antonette "Toni" (Eloy) Cantu, of Laredo, Elizabeth Louise (Mario) Martinez, of...

Jesus Ricardo "Chuy" Ramos received his orders for Heavenly duty on June 5th, 2022 at the age of 67. Jesus was born and raised in Laredo Texas. He graduated High School in 1973 and started his walk-in life by enlisting in the United States Army. He became a Sergeant, Military Police Investigator, United States Army, CONUS and Overseas from 1973-1980. He returned to civilian life for a period of 2 years and started working for Homeland Security, Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE) from 1982 to 2007 when he retired. Civilian life was never enough for Jesus he once again served his country through his commitment in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Embedded Sr. Law...

Robbie Robuck West 84, passed away at Magnolia Hospital, Corinth Mississippi on April 19, 2022 She was born to Floyd Edwin Robuck and Mayme Caffey Robuck of Encinal Texas. She was married to husband Dave Moore West of Oakwood, Texas for 56 years at the time of his death on April, 24 2014. The Wests were longtime residents of the Laredo and the Encinal Texas area where Robbie worked for and retired from Mercy Hospital in administration after 42 distinguished years. She was a hard working and devoted wife, mother and grand/great grandmother. Her legacy is the special way she touched the lives of people in her life and loved making memories with her family. She is preceded in death by...

Heberto "Herbie" Benavides Jr., a resident of Nacogdoches, TX, passed away on March 22nd, 2022 at the age of 82 surrounded by family and the residents and caretakers he had come to love as family at the Arbor Assisted Living Center. Heberto is survived by his children; his daughter Sandra Collier (nee Benavides); Heberto Jerry (Treicy Soto) of Miami; his grandchildren; Nicole of College Station, TX; Esteban Joel, Renata, and Catalina Benavides-Soto of Miami, Florida; honorary brother Julian Del Valle of Laredo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife Amparo (nee Barreda); parents Heberto Sr. and Alicia; son-in-law Ken Collier; brother Juan Agapito;...

Gerardo "Gerry" Garcia passed away on February 28, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas with his family by his side. He was born in Laredo, Texas on December 26, 1956 to Celia Gonzalez and George H. Garcia. Gerry spent his entire carrer working for the Federal Government, which took him across the country to various locations. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking and baking for his friends and family. He was also an avid gardner and took great pride in caring for his plants and flowers. We are thankful that we were all able to love him and that he was able to share his love with us. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, George H. Garcia and Celia Gonzalez; sister, Adriana...

Carmela Moreno Marmolejo entered eternal rest on Friday, February 4, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. Carmela was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was born July 22, 1936, in Laredo, Texas, and was a 1955 graduate of Ursuline Academy. She attended Texas Women's University in Denton and graduated from Texas A & I University in Kingsville where she met her future husband. She began her career in education in Laredo, but upon marriage, she joined her husband in Edinburg and they made it their permanent home. Carmela started teaching in the Rio Grande Valley at Edcouch-Elsa ISD where she taught for three years. She then became a teacher in Edinburg...

Sylvia Micaela (Mickey) Garza Idrogo met her loving husband Samuel on God's celestial shore on February 1st of 2022 where they rejoiced in the presence of angels celebrating their reunion. Sylvia was born on January 7th of 1938 to Ricardo and Adela Garza in Laredo, Texas. She married Samuel Idrogo on January 25th of 1959 and they enjoyed nearly 58 years together until the passing of her husband in 2017. They were high school sweet hearts. Samuel and Sylvia raised 6 children and nurtured them with love, security and many wonderful childhood memories. Sylvia was known for her love and generosity to others. She was "Mom" by many and she never turned anyone away for a warm meal or a kind...

Dale Short, age 68, passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021 in Laredo, Texas. Dale was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio on January 11, 1953, to Bernard Lee Short and Katie Wier. Dale spent most of his young life growing up in New Mexico before moving to Texas. He graduated from Alice High School in 1971. After serving nine years in the United States Airforce he worked in the oil field supply business, and then went on to work in a medical supply unit. After an injury on the job Dale began his academic career by beginning classes at Odessa College. Once he graduated from Odessa College with an Associate's Degree in Art, he went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art. Not wanting to stop...

Dr. Billy Frank Cowart, 89, of Belton, Texas passed away at Baylor, Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas on December 25, 2021 following a brief illness. Billy was born in San Benito, Texas on August 5, 1932 to Tom and Gladys Cowart. Dr. Cowart was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janet. They enjoyed 65 wonderful years together. He is also preceded by sisters Merle and Beth, brothers Ray and T.W., and his parents Tom and Gladys Cowart. He graduated from San Benito High School and received his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education at Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas where he was the President of the Student Body in 1954. He entered the U.S. Army and served...

Gloria Iris Ybanez passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at her residence in Hebbronville at the age of 73. She was born on September 15, 1948 in Alice, Texas to Jose Alvar Gutierrez and Estela Garcia Gutierrez. Gloria worked for CPL in Harlingen, Gunn Auto Sales, was a founder of Hector and Gloria Lopez foundation and a frequent slot machine player in Las Vegas and Louisiana She is preceded in death by her parents. Gloria leaves behind many fond memories that will be treasured by her husband, Jesse Ybanez; brother, Dr. Jose (Sylvia) Gutierrez Jr. both of Hebbronville, TX.; sister, Dora Estela (Rogelio) Garza of McAllen; numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary will be prayed at 9:30...

Irma DeHoyos Leal, born December 4, 1935, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on December 19, 2021. Irma was born in Laredo, TX to Isauro DeHoyos and Isabel Guajardo. Irma was raised in Laredo, TX, and graduated from Laredo Martin High School in 1954. Throughout life, Irma counted many cities as home, but New Orleans, LA and Atlanta, GA occupied a special place in her heart. After a long employment with Central Power and Light (Laredo, TX), Irma retired in 1992 and moved to Brenham, TX to be near her son, Frank A. Leal, and her grandchildren. In Brenham, Irma worked and volunteered her services at the Senior Activity Center Retail Shop, BISD Cafeteria, and St....

Carmela Zapata Calix, age 81, of Harlingen, Texas passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Carmela was born January 24, 1940 to Simona Saenz Zapata and Sabas Zapata Jr. Carmela is survived by her sons Gerardo (Jerry) Gutierrez (Beverly), Marco Gutierrez (Lupe); Arturo Gutierrez (Shea); her brothers Arnulfo Zapata Sr (Griselda), Sabas Zapata III (Cathy) and her sister Lydia Zapata, also survived by a sister in law Guadalupe R. Zapata and two brother in laws Jim Vollmar and Ruben Villarreal SR, and numerous nieces and nephews and grandchildren. Carmela was preceded in death by her husband Arturo Calix; her father Sabas Zapata Jr and her mother Simona Saenz Zapata; her brother Ramiro...

On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Daniel Aguilar went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. Daniel was born to Leofilo and Paula Aguilar on September 13, 1936 in Laredo, Texas. Daniel is survived by his loving wife, Dora Granado Aguilar, five children, Gloria Nu?ez (Robert), Daniel F. Aguilar (Patsy), Dolores Davila (Jesus), Dagoberto C. Aguilar (Lydia), Dalia Aguirre (Miguel), his sister, Julia De Leon (Eduardo), his 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was passionate about playing golf and was a life-long member of the Pan American Golf Association. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed watching them...

Lucas Lucio Espinoza, 67, of Grand Prairie, TX passed away October 13, 2021. He was born 12/13/1953 in Laredo, TX to Pedro and Manuela Espinoza. He graduated from Layton High School in Utah in 1972. Survived by his wife Rosario Alvarado Espinoza, children: Danielle (Tinker Bell), Bill (Billy), Lucas Jr. (Mikey), Andrea (FC), Katherine (Priscilla), Oscar (Franky); 14 grandchildren; previous wife Thelma. Visitation will be held Thursday, 10/21 at Grand Prairie Funeral Home in Grand Prairie, TX from 5pm-9pm. Funeral service will be held Friday, 10/22 at Grand Prairie Funeral Home at 1pm with burial at Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens.

Beloved wife and mother Laura Black Biel passed away at age 75 on Saturday, September 4, 2021 in Dallas. She was born August 4, 1946, to Isaura Martinez Black and George Garner Black. Laura is survived by her husband Richard (Rick) Biel of Dallas; son Stewart Eisenhart of Washington, DC; stepdaughter Allison Biel of Dallas; sister Carla Black of San Antonio; brothers George (Mary) Black, Edmund (Cherie) Black; and Carlos (Barbara) Black, all of San Antonio; brother Michael (Terri) Black of Houston; grandson Lucas Eisenhart of Washington, DC; as well as seven nieces, nephews and their children. Laura was born in Laredo and grew up in San Antonio, where she attended Thomas Jefferson High...

Jerry Succa went home to be with Jesus on September 3, 2021, at the age of 64. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Maria Aguero Succa. He is survived by his wife Angie Gomez Succa; his father Pete Succa; his brothers Eddie and his wife Carmen Succa, Larry and Mirna Succa; his daughters Holly and her husband Robert Chapa, Desiree and husband Tony Faz; his grandchildren Chloe Lynn and Claire Chapa and Juliana Michelle and Evelina Lyla Faz. He is also survived by his extended; children; Arnie Gomez, Amy Porras, and husband Billy and Anthony Gomez; his extended grandchildren Jazmine Reyes, Jayden Gonzales, Nikki, Krystal, Kendrick, and Kriselda Porras. Jerry was a very humble,...

My loving husband, Arturo (Arthur) A. Valdez, Jr., passed to a more beautiful life on Thursday, September 2, 2021. Art was born on February 16, 1947 to Arturo A. Valdez, Sr. and Maria de Jesus Garcia Valdez in Hebbronville, Texas. Art graduated from Mary Carroll High School in 1965 and attended Del Mar College and Texas A&I University. In 1969, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed overseas during the Vietnam Era, specializing as a radio intercept analyst in Turkey and Thailand. He married his wife, Zulema A. Valdez, on March 16, 1970, and they spent 51 wonderful years together. Following his tour of duty, he worked for H.E.B. as a computer programmer for many years. After...