Roberto Tovar

Roberto Tovar, “Achu,” 95 years old, passed into the arms of our Lord on Friday, August 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Roberto was born on December 24,1928 in El Paso, TX. He graduated from Bowie High School and was a proud Bowie Bear his entire life. Once a Bear Always a Bear. He married the love of his life Ofelia Estrada Tovar on September 20, 1952. Til death do they part, they were married for 40 years until her passing on July 2, 1992. Roberto proudly served his country for thirty-nine years in the United States Navy, both active duty and reserve. His service included World War II and the Korean War. Roberto was preceded in death by his loving wife Ofelia E. Tovar and his son Robert J. Tovar.

Dad is survived by his children Dolores Marie Tovar, Albert L. Tovar, Gilbert Paul Tovar, Herbert Daniel Tovar, Barbara G. Tovar Stonecipher, and grandson Mitchell R. Stonecipher.

Dad’s favorite times included crazy laughter and warm bonding with his children during family gatherings. Another favorite time was talking for hours with his niece Sylvia “Bebe” Yrigoyen. He was a wonderful storyteller and an inquisitive explorer. He shared stories of all his travels while in the Navy, growing up and wonderful fun-filled times with his family.

He was a P.T.A. President of Vilas Elementary School. He was selected by the EPISD to be a part of a Veteran’s Day Project, which included an interview of his service in the military and a creation of a Veteran’s Day Filmstrip for use in the Social Studies curriculum at the elementary school level. Dad was also a Cub Scout Master. He participated in the UT Austin U.S. Latino and Latina World War II Oral History Project.

Roberto’s children and grandson would especially like to thank their brother and uncle Gilbert who selflessly cared for their father/grandfather for many years. Gilbert gave up a career as a Civil Engineer to care for our Dad. He was with our father around the clock for many years and never once complained. Gilbert did everything for our Dad with his good-natured spirit and a smile.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler. Funeral Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2024, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 930 E. Redd Road. Graveside Services with Military Honors to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Gilbert P. Tovar, Herbert D. Tovar, Mitchell R. Stonecipher, David Castillo, Kyle Castillo, Rene Sanchez. Honorary pallbearer, Albert L. Tovar.