Robert A. Mayer Jr., “Sombra”, 51, joined our Lord and Savior on January 30, 2021. Robert was a generous, kind and hilarious man who was loved and respected by many. Robert married the love of his life in May of 1991 and later they had two beautiful daughters. Robert greatly enjoyed serving his community through his long and dedicated career with law enforcement. Robert began his career of public service with the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office, joining the force in February of 1993 as a Detention Officer. Robert quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Patrol Deputy and ultimately earning the position of Criminal Investigator. Robert worked hard, investigating cases of drug, weapon, and cash smuggling. He served on task forces with both the United States Customs Service as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, leading to his eventual transition into Federal Law Enforcement. In 2002, Robert was selected as a Special Agent with the United States Customs Service, assigned to the Del Rio Office. For 17 years, Robert actively pursued investigations of customs and immigration violations with the Service, which was reformed in 2003 as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. In 2019, Robert was selected to join the ranks of Customs and Border Protection within the Office of Professional Responsibility as a Special Agent. Here, Robert investigated allegations of misconduct and corruption, continuing his dedicated pursuit of public service.
When Robert wasn’t working he could be found living his life to the fullest with his family and many friends. Robert especially loved playing with his three grandchildren. He always made it his goal to make them laugh or smile. This was probably a goal he had in mind for anyone he met. Robert was also very involved with his church community through ACTS and other events. Robert never wanted to miss a gathering with his Cowboy Club or Del Rio Coffee Club friends. What Robert loved the most was grilling for family and friends. No matter the weather, Robert could be found grilling with a beer or scotch in one hand and a cigar in the other. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Linda Mayer, his oldest daughter Kayla Mayer Nettleton (Kyle Nettleton), grandchildren Lane Nettleton and Sutton Nettleton, his youngest daughter Alyssa Mayer, grandchild Jeremy Mayer, his parents Enrique and Estela Hernandez, his brother Edward Mayer, his in-laws, Gilbert and Gracie Maldonado, and his brother-in-law Gilbert Gerald Maldonado.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Gentlemen with the Honor of Pallbearers are Bill Yount, Derome West, Adrian Pena, Tony Rodriguez, Edward Mayer, Fred Delgado, Adam Ducharme, and Arturo Paniagua. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery.