Roberto Lopez Gamez

Roberto L. Gamez, known as Beto to most, was born July 16th, 1941 in Rancho Solis outside of La Feria, TX to Guillerma & Leandro Gamez. He is preceded in death by both his parents and his siblings, Leandro Jr.(Ofelia), Thomas(Raquel), Amado, Guadalupe(Manuel) and Juanita (Guadalupe).

He grew up in La Feria and attended school there, where he met Elena, who he later married and raised 2 daughters, Stella G. Garcia (Benjamin) and Sylvia Gamez. Together they built a life in La Feria close to family and childhood friends. Beto worked diligently to provide for his family and often spoke of people who helped him along the way to better jobs and ways to better himself. They believed in him and he appreciated that about them as he would often tell us.

Beto loved his children, grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. He would often talk to his siblings at length about the children, be it his or theirs. He would have picnics and tea parties with his grandchildren in which Big Red was served with small slices of bananas or Cheetos with a toothpick. He traveled to California to visit with his brother and his family. He would come home filled with joy about the time he spent with them. After his siblings passed on, he enjoyed phone calls and visits with his many nieces and nephews, sharing a meal and sharing childhood memories of their parents. These visits and phone calls brought him much joy and filled his heart with love. He enjoyed joking with his family, friends, children and grandchildren. He would put his arm around you and let out a big laugh when you finally caught on that he was joking. His granddaughter Celina knew he was a jokester and would often ask when she was little, 'Grandpa, are you joking me?' He was so proud of both Ariel and Celina, they were his pride and joy. His love and care for children spilled over to his work. He worked for Texas Migrant Council as a Center Director. He enjoyed working with the migrant children and providing them education and services here in the Valley and following them North during the summer to care for them there.

He had many dogs and cats over the years. He is survived by his dog, Simon and his cat, Oscar, who were really more family than pets. They, and many pets before them, were his companions after Nena passed on. They gave him a reason to laugh and cry at times.

Beto liked to draw. He spent a lot of time drawing either with his grandchildren and his nieces and nephews when they were little. He also liked working in his garden and taking care of his lawn. He could often be seen riding his mower across the lawn. He enjoyed working with his hands and fixing things. One of his favorite shows was MacGyver, who could always solve a problem. One could hear Beto say he MacGyvered things to get them to work. If you couldn't fix something, he would tell you to MacGyver it. He was good at woodworking. After his Nena(Elena) of 44 yrs. passed away, he spent his time making small bench tables. He would paint them and give them to family members. He enjoyed restoring old wooden chairs and giving them a second life. He was also certified in welding. He painted every room in his house in bold colors, because he loved color.

He had many faithful friends who would come by for a visit, to enjoy some coffee with pan dulce or a meal or go out for a beer and some wings. We are grateful to them for providing much needed companionship. Roberto was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and a friend, but what he was most of all was LOVED. He will be greatly missed as he journeys on to join our elders who went before him.