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Mr. Rene R. Laurel, 77, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, entered eternal rest on February 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves a legacy of devoted family and loyal friends to celebrate his wonderful life. Born in Laredo, Texas on November 18, 1947, to Humberto Laurel Sr. and Olivia W. Laurel, he was raised in Laredo and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy. In 1970, he graduated from St. Edward’s University and proudly entered the U.S. Army. Military service gave Rene the opportunity to travel extensively, and he was stationed as far away as Germany. It was while stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia that he met the love of his life, Mary Heisse. After marrying Mary in 1971, and being honorably discharged from the Army, they settled in Laredo, where he worked for the City Planning Department. Rene believed that one should never stop learning, and later earned Master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Accounting from Laredo State University, all the while serving in the National Guard. Together with his twin brother Joe, he carried on the family real estate business built by his father. Rene shared his knowledge of business and economics by serving as an adjunct professor at Laredo Community College. A devout Catholic with a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Rene attended Mass with unwavering joy, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and participated in the St. Patrick Church Men’s Club. Throughout his life he spent many hours in the Adoration Chapel in devotion to the Holy Eucharist. After intense study he became a Master Mason, and he also was a member of the Laredo Rotary Club. For over 50 years he met with his dearest friends for “Lunch Bunch” every Tuesday and monthly for “Supper Club.” He loved to travel and took his family on yearly trips to every corner of the United States, including driving to Niagara Falls, and taking countless trips to his favorite city, New Orleans. Rene was known for his culinary skills and could prepare everything from a full breakfast to carne asada complete with accompanying sides. His delicious briskets were the stuff of legend, and he was often asked to provide one or maybe even two at numerous get-togethers. Rene was an avid fan of the Houston Astros, and nothing made him happier than taking his children and later his grandchildren to watch games at the Astrodome and Minute Maid Park. He was also an ardent supporter of the San Antonio Spurs and loved watching them on television while having libations and botanas with his family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mariana Cosma for her support and genuine kindness in providing loving care with dignity. The family would also like to thank Rene’s caregivers Magdalena Torres, Teresa Anguiano, Maritza Sanchez, and Gabriela Sanchez for their untiring aid during the last months of his life. Rene is preceded in death by his parents, Humberto R. Laurel Sr. and Olivia, brothers, Humberto R. Laurel Jr., Hector E. Laurel, Ezequiel P. Laurel, Amando “Dave” Laurel, sisters-in-law Anita M. Laurel, Kathleen Heisse Laurel, and niece Audrey Laurel. Affectionately known as “Pa” to his grandchildren, left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 54 years, Mrs. Mary Heisse Laurel, children: Kristina (Bryce) Laurel-Cacek, Monica (Bill) Hall, grandchildren: Matthew R. Cacek; Sophia M. Hall, and William N. Hall IV, siblings: Diana Laurel Pentecost, Jose (Kathy+) Laurel, sisters-in-law Bebe Laurel, Frances Laurel, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, relatives, and lifelong friends. Funeral services will be held on February 24, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:30am with the Funeral Mass commencing at 11am. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Bryce Cacek, Matthew R. Cacek, William N. (Bill) Hall III, William N. Hall IV, Rick Laurel, and Jeff Pesek. Honorary pallbearers will be Jose Laurel, Eduardo (Lalo) Cavazos, Carlos Cuellar, Fernando Montemayor, Armengol Guerra, John Hickey, Carl Barto, Roberto Gonzalez, and Antonio (Tony) Alvarado. In lieu of flowers, a heartfelt memorial contribution may be made to the Bright Focus Foundation for Alzheimer’s Disease Research or the Salvation Army which Rene supported every holiday season as he rang the bell. You may sign the online guestbook or share a personal tribute at www.missionparks.com.

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Rene R. Laurel

November 18, 1947 - February 7, 2025