Roberto Rudico Laurel
Roberto Rudico Laurel was born near Hebbronville, Texas on 2-18-1931. Roberto's parents, Amadeo Carlos Laurel and Maria Valdez Laurel, had three sons; Amadeo, Roberto ("Rudy" or "Bob)," and Victor (Patricia) and one daughter, Olga Laurel Vela. Roberto was married to Aurora Pena Laurel. Together they raised three daughters, Roberta Ann, Anna Maria (Cardona), and Aurora Lynn. After Aurora Laurel's untimely death, Roberto married Emily Turner Laurel. They were happily married for 39 years until his sudden death on January 30, 2023. In recent years, together with Emily's sister, Rebecca Turner Bourne of Benton, Arkansas, they cared for Emily's and Rebecca's mother, Pauline Terry Turner, for several years until her death in 2011 in Benton, Arkansas at the age of 99 years. Roberto and Emily also cared for others in their home, including Emily's maternal aunt Ava Noble, and Ava's husband, Carl Noble, both from Houston, Texas and Bastrop, Louisiana.
Throughout Roberto Laurel's life, he exhibited the finest characteristics of humanity. He was an honorable man who lived his life with great character, he was well-respected by his co-workers and employees, he had respect for all, and a heart full of love and ready forgiveness. He loved salt-water fishing for his favorite redfish and spent lots of happy times with John Stubee, his fishing buddy of many years. After high school graduation in Laredo, Texas, Roberto enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for 22 years total, first during the Korean Conflict and later reenlisting to serve as a Navy diver, and ultimately as a diving school instructor in the U.S. Navy's Explosive Ordnance Program. He served two Vietnam tours. After his retirement he joined Aramco Services Company in New York City and worked for Aramco in their Houston, Texas facilities until retirement after 20 years of service. There he was a favorite of all, both American and Saudi Arab people, who knew and worked with him. He will be missed.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 4, from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by funeral service at 11:00 AM at Benton First Presbyterian Church, 501 E. North Street in Benton, Arkansas. Roberto will be laid to rest with military honors at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 8, at the Houston National Veterans Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.