Robert Duran was called back to his heavenly home on February 14, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Sonora, Texas, May 9, 1928, to Ezekiel and Georgina Duran.
Beto married the love of his life, Alda Ortiz on August 10, 1947, and they were blessed with 66 years of marriage.
Together they raised two children, Sylvia and Robert, Jr.
Early in his career, he worked in the ranching industry around Sonora and was known all over West Texas for his exceptional farrier skills.
In 1960, he went to work for the Texas Highway Department, retiring after 20 years of service.
He came out of retirement to work for the First National Bank of Sonora and retired again after 10 years.
Beto was very active in serving his community through his involvement in the Lions Club, Committee for the Aging, Sonora Senior Center, and The Relay for Life.
His homemade hot sauce was renowned throughout Sonora and a favorite at charity auction events.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother Ezekiel Duran.
He is survived by his daughter Sylvia (Frank) Gamboa of Kerrville, his son Bob (Melissa) Duran, Jr. of Houston, and his brother Mario of Sonora.
He is also survived by four grandchildren, Gaston Gamboa of San Antonio, Bianca (Nathan) Kunkel of Castroville, Kate Ashley (Taylor) Stallings and Zachary (Sarah) Duran, of Houston.
He was so proud of his four great-grandchildren Brooklynn and Harrison Kunkel of Castroville, John Robert Stallings and Hadley Duran of Houston.
He also will be missed by countless nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services were held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the First Baptist Church under the direction of Love Funeral Home in Sonora.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please consider a donation to the Sonora Lions Club.
