On Friday, May 2, 2025, Robert Marcus Urenda, loving husband, father, and grandfather, was called to be with our Lord peacefully at home. Robert was born on January 6, 1930 in Bracketville TX to Luis Urenda and Trinidad Martinez Urenda. He attended El Paso High School for 3 years and at the end of his junior year in high school, he enlisted in the U S Marine Corp in August 1948 through August 1952 with his ending rank as Sergeant. He served his country in the Korean War. Wounded in action twice, he officially received the Purple Heart medal and certification in November of 1955. He had also received various other medals and awards during his enlistment, such as the Korean Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and United Nations Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
After his military service, Robert met the love of his life, Irma, and the two were married on January 3, 1954. Their marriage lasted an incredible 71 years. Robert joined the U S Post Office for his post-military career and worked 30+ years as a dedicated and hard working letter carrier until the end of May, 1986. It was during these times that Robert made extraordinary efforts to be a great provider, teacher, supporter, and protector to Irma, her children, and other extended family.
Robert had a penchant for speaking his mind rather bluntly. He never minced words when he spoke. But at the same time, he had an incredible laugh and he could bring lots of laughter and joy to family and friends at social gatherings. Outside of his work career, he was a proud season ticket supporter of UTEP football and basketball and made sure to bring his family along with him. He really enjoyed his family trips to go camping at Cloudcroft, and also looked forward to his trips to the casinos in Nevada and Arizona with Irma and family.
Robert always made sure to take care of his home. His popular phrase used to be : “If you want things done right, do it yourself”. He was a great teacher to his sons for showing them how to fix things at home or how to maintain their cars.
During his last years, he enjoyed the simpler things in life, such as watching his Green Bay Packers on TV. You could always find him watching Gunsmoke, or any John Wayne western. As far as movies, he could watch any John Wick movie over and over. When it came time to eat, Robert’s favorite meal combo was always Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
Robert is preceded in death by his first two sons, Robert Daniel Urenda and Robert Marcus Urenda Jr (Irene), his parents Luis and Trinidad Urenda , sisters Maggie Urenda Foster, Rose Urenda Moreno, Maria Luisa Urenda Medina, Aurora Urenda Connell, Luis (Chino) Urenda and half-siblings Steve, Eva, and Della Hidalgo. . He is survived by his wife, Irma Urenda, his two sons, Paul (Melissa) Urenda and Kenneth (Kylie)Urenda, and his daughter , Yvonne (John) Joyce.
He was a grandfather to 9 kids: Lina, Danny, Josie, Isela, Nicky, Alyssa, Paul Andrew, Jake, and Amanda Rose and was a great grandfather to 8: Khalid, Niveah, Laila, Marcus, Ivan, Ichani, Braylon, and Nya.
Visitation for Robert will be Monday, May 19th, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with rosary held at 6:00 p.m at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. with a burial service to follow in Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. El Paso, Texas 79906.
