Robert Elliot Zepeda

Robert E. Zepeda was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 22, 1949. Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sylvia, and his three children; Robert E. Zepeda, Jr. and wife, Erica F. Zepeda; John R. Zepeda and wife, Candace K. Zepeda; and Mary C. Cable and husband, Robert E. Cable. Robert was blessed with seven grandchildren; Mikah R. Zepeda, Marianna B. Zepeda, and Marcela S. Zepeda; Robert H. Cable, Liam E. Cable, and Cruz T. Cable; and Robert E. Zepeda, III.

Lifelong childhood friend, Ernest Vela, recalled young Robert once telling him that his ambitions in life were to go to college, become a lawyer, marry Sylvia, and be a dedicated father to their children. Like every task he set his mind to, Robert would accomplish each of these ambitions and leave his indelible imprint on the lives of his family, friends, colleagues and the whole of his community.

Robert came from humble beginnings. Raised by a single mother, Robert and his four siblings were instilled with the values of hard work and dedication but were anchored in the importance of family. Throughout his youth, Robert was an avid reader and showed an intelligence and curiosity that would help propel to success throughout his life. His innate sense of curiosity fueled his desire to continuously learn, while his dedication and drive helped him teach himself several skills including auto mechanics, electrical, carpentry, and plumbing, and even his love for music when he dabbled in playing the electrical guitar.

But, at a young age, Robert discovered his true vocational calling after reading about a young child in San Antonio who died after being denied emergency medical care. After seeing this injustice firsthand, Robert was drawn to the world of law and knew he wanted to help those without a voice. Robert graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1968 and went on to St. Philips College where he became the first Latino student body President. It was here that Robert enrolled in a history class and met his mentor former Democratic member of both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas State Senate, Frank L. Madla (1937-2006).

Such new connections and friendships helped propel Robert to the University of Texas where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and into St. Mary’s University School of Law where he went on to graduate in 1976. He began practicing law in San Antonio, Texas under the guidance of M.M. Peña and opened his own practice alongside his lifelong friend, Ernest Acevedo, Jr..

Robert would go on to have a 46 year long career in the legal field which included such accomplishments as being a founding member of the Mexican American Bar Association and served as its President in 1985, and practicing law with much pride alongside his son, John, since 2003. Robert was a well-respected and valued member of the legal community in Bexar County and was a fixture in the Bexar County Courthouse where he could be found socializing with judges, attorneys, and staff members alike. He proudly held a reputation as a zealous advocate for his clients, while helping guide them through some of the most complicated and painful moments of their lives.

But for Robert, his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with his beloved, Sylvia. Robert met the love of his life, Sylvia, in the principal’s office of Hawthorne Middle School when they were in the eighth grade. She was there as a shy, dedicated student-worker, while he was there for challenging his Spanish teacher with some “colorful” Spanish slang. From that day forward, their relationship would continue to grow and deepen with love and support. Robert and Sylvia were married on June 3, 1972; and, within less a decade, their family would be complete with their three children. Although he had demanding career, Robert’s dedication and devotion to his family was unwavering, and he filled their home with laughter, music and love. Robert helped carefully craft some of his family’s fondest memories as he meticulously planned several cross-country family trips where he could breakaway from the daily grind of work and focus on his true passion of being a husband and father. Robert and Sylvia built a loving home for their children which was often the center of countless family gatherings of all sizes and varieties that brought together friends and family in joy, laughter, and love.

With his beloved Sylvia, at his side, Robert took great pride in watching his children grow, graduate from college, build their own careers, and create families of their own. Robert welcomed and embraced the role of grandfather. He had immense love and joy for all seven of his grandchildren and was anxious to attend as many ceremonies, sporting events, and birthday parties as his time and health would allow. His love and devotion to his grandchildren fueled him through his remaining days.

Robert went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife, three children, and their spouses. He is preceded in death by his mother, Aurora G. Zepeda and Rogelio L. Zepeda. He was the third oldest and is survived by his siblings, Felix Zepeda and wife Beatrice, Roy Zepeda and wife Elia; Esther de Leon and deceased spouse, Miguel de Leon; and Joe Zepeda and deceased spouse, Felice Zepeda.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm that same evening. The Funeral Service will be at 9:30 am on Wednesday, March 17, 2022 at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Mexican-American Bar Association of San Antonio Scholarship Fund in honor of Robert E. Zepeda at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/6ENHKCNWW688E/checkout/OOUSTIAOHSR24LIJRJGM56AA.