William Robert Lt. Col. Orbelo

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Ann Kurth Orbelo.

He leaves behind his wife, Jo Jacquelon Briggs-Orbelo; two sons, William Michael Orbelo and his wife, Jessie of San Antonio, TX, and Dr. Robert Wayne Orbelo of Durango, CO; adopted daughter, Jackie Lynn Goerges, San Antonio, TX; and a sister, Deana Whitaker and her husband, Malcolm, Florida.

Bob, as he was known by friends, created many historic museums, some with Red McCombs, whom he considered a fine and brilliant friend. He also contributed Santa Ana's bed to The Alamo. Bob at one time owned the largest collection of dueling pistols with documentation in America and the 3rd largest in the world, which he had collected since childhood.

Bob graduated with honors from the University of Miami in Florida. He served with distinction in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and several Purple Hearts. While in the military he also represented the United States in Paraguay and reported to President Alfred Stressner. This was a great honor that almost took his life when the president was disposed.

Bob and his wife Jo Jac loved cruising the oceans. They cruised both large and small and many rivers in between. He also loved opera and was an avid chess player. As a man in his 40's and 50's, he wrote and published many historical articles' in magazines and in books. This was by request, as he was considered an authority on historical artifacts dating back to the American Revolution.

Bob was a gentle giant, standing 6'6" tall. He was very kind and humble, had great dignity, a subtle sense of humor and did not anger easily. He will be missed by all who knew him, but as he often told his younger sister, Dee, "This, too, shall pass."

MEMORIAL SERVICE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

1:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE.

INURNMENT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

2:30 P.M.

FT. SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

A reception will follow the inurnment for family and friends at, Oak Hills Country Club.