Robert was born on May 11, 1931, to Marta Peña in El Paso, Texas. He was a proud 1949 graduate of Bowie High School. While attending Bowie, Robert met his best friend and the love of his life Maria De La Luz Ortega, “Lucy”, who he affectionately called his “Reina”.
Robert enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Fort Ord, California, serving in the 4th Infantry Division. During the Korean War, he was activated and served throughout Germany and Europe in the 2nd Armored Division, nicknamed “Hell on Wheels”.
During his time in service, Robert stayed closely connected with Lucy through a steady exchange of heartfelt letters. She assured him she would wait for him, though as she teasingly put it, “not sitting down”. They were deeply in love and upon his return from the Army, he proposed. Robert and Lucy were married on September 26, 1953. From that day forward, he became her beloved “Honey”. For 66 beautiful years, they weathered life’s seasons with grace and devotion.
Robert was a hard worker who provided generously, ensuring his family was always cared for. In his early years, Robert worked as a carpenter and as a City Lines bus driver. In the early 1970’s he began a distinguished career in the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). He served as a Detention Officer and was later promoted to Senior Inspector and retired from INS in 1994.
Robert and Lucy remained actively involved with the Bowie high school alumni “49ers”. A fan of the Big Band era, he never missed a chance to dance to Frank Sinatra and the Glen Miller Band. His dancing shoes were always polished and ready, while Lucy lovingly selected his outfits for each special occasion. Their love for dancing begun early in their courtship as one of their very first dates was when Lucy taught Robert how to jitterbug. Among one of the most heartfelt traditions they shared was when their wedding song “Sin Ti” would begin to play. No matter where they were, Robert would lovingly take Lucy’s hand and draw her into a dance. His playful spirit would shine brightly at parties when he would dance the 'YMCA' with his family.
With Lucy by his side, Robert took pride in creating a loving home that welcomed not only family, but friends and neighbors alike. A devoted handyman, he kept the yard and patio in immaculate condition. Their home on Memphis Avenue, fondly known by loved ones as “The Corner Bar”, was the heart of the legendary “Peña parties” where music, laughter, Lucy’s unforgettable cooking, and cold beer brought everyone together.
Robert was a passionate sports fan. He loved settling into his sports’ teamed draped recliner dressed in his favorite sportswear, cheering on his Dodgers, Yankees and Cowboys with a bowl of peanuts. “How ‘bout dem Cowboys!” was something he shouted with unwavering pride. When he wasn’t watching a game, Robert could often be found enjoying classic westerns and his “¡Guerra!” movies.
To many who held him dear, he was lovingly known as “Honey”. A name that captured the warmth of his spirit and the gentleness of his soul. A true gentleman, he adored his Lucy and treated her like a queen while providing stability and unwavering devotion to his family. With a heart full of humor, he always found a way to bring laughter to a room. He was our Santa, our Grinch, our Superman, our Piggy, our strength, and our calm.
Robert was preceded in death by his Lucy who passed on December 30, 2020. Additional departed loved ones include his mother Marta Peña, his sisters Guadalupe Herrera and Mary Rodriguez, his brothers Armando French and Ricardo French, and his aunt Reyes and uncle Ignacio Aguirre who raised him after the passing of his mother.
His legacy and stories will live on through his children Bobby Peña Jr., Reuben Peña (Laverne), Dotty and Art Corral, Letty Peña Villalobos, Denise Ramirez, Jennifer McMillan (Abraham) - a granddaughter that he raised as one of his own, and goddaughter Liz Wells (Les); his grandchildren Krystle McClain, Abraham Villalobos, Adrian Villalobos, Robby Corral, Alex Villalobos, Alexis Pell (Cristobal), Robert Peña the 3rd (Myra), Jeremy Pena (Karina), Matthew Pena, Angela Guillen (Andrew), Christopher Pena, Samantha Pena, Brianne Wells, Jackie Wells; his great- grandchildren Madisyn, Ashlyn, Aaron, Diego, Tyler, Noah, Oden, Luna, Mathis, Aurora, Leah, Adaline, and one on the way; his brother Manny Aguirre, extended family, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm pm with Rosary at 6:30 pm at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. El Paso, Tx 79903. Funeral mass will be Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 9:15am at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 10000 Pheasant Rd, El Paso, TX 79924. Burial, with military honors, to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906.
Honey, we will forever miss your handsome smile, your sense of humor, and your laughter that filled our souls. No longer must you yearn for your beloved Reina, for we know your dancing shoes are laced once more, and together you now sway and twirl beneath heavens stars. Until we meet again. LA-TAH (later), as you would say.
