Robert J. "Bobby" Cavazos died November 16, 2013 in San Antonio at the age of 82. Bobby was born November 26, 1930 on the Santa Gertrudis Division of the King Ranch where his father was foreman. He grew up learning the traditions of the Kineños or "King's Men" and being a Vaquero working cattle. His father stressed the importance of going to college to all his children and Dad pursued his education at Texas Technological College in Lubbock. He received a football scholarship as a running back for Tech. He was member of the 1953-54 Texas Tech championship team that defeated Auburn in the Gator Bowl. He was the most valuable player rushing for 141 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was a second team All-American in 1953 and was drafted by the then Chicago Cardinals in the 1954 NFL draft. His football career ended as a result of injuries. He is a member of the Texas Tech Football Hall of Fame. Dad was also a USAR Infantry Officer who served almost 2 years in Korea. After returning to Texas, he continued working for the King Ranch and became foreman of the Laureles Division. He also served as a Kleberg County Commissioner in Kingsville.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Lauro F. Cavazos and Tomasa Quintanilla Cavazos; and sister, Sarita Ochoa (Albert).
He is survived by children, Clay (Cheryl), Doug, Cathleen; and four grandchildren, Justin, Christopher, Victoria and Camryn; brothers, Dr. Lauro Cavazos (Peggy), Gen (R) Richard Cavazos (Carolyn), Joe (Dean); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 206 North Third Street, Kingsville, Texas. Burial of cremains will follow immediately at the conclusion of the memorial service at Resthaven Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Veterans of Kleberg County Military Funeral Detail.
Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.