Roberto A. Silva, Sr.

Roberto A. Silva, Sr. an esteemed figure of the King Ranch community and cherished family man, passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy, rich in tradition and heart. Born on July 5, 1940, and raised in Laureles - King Ranch, Roberto exemplified the classic cowboy from an early age. At merely 11 years old, he began his journey into the cowboy way, a path that would define his life and contribute significantly to the storied history of King Ranch.

In 1951, Roberto's dedication and passion found him employed alongside his father, where he sharpened his skills amidst the vast landscapes of the Laureles Division. His unwavering commitment to ranching and livestock management was soon recognized as he collaborated with R. P. Marshall on the pure breed cattle at the Santa Gertrudis Division. By 1997, he took pride in his work with the Bull Development group, engaging earnestly in the weaning and pre-conditioning of calves. Under the guidance of Hal Hawkins in 1999, Roberto meticulously collected livestock sire records, showcasing his unyielding dedication to the ranch until his well-deserved retirement in 2000, after an impressive 49 years of service.

Beyond the sunlit pastures and the expansive sky of King Ranch, Roberto was a man of multifaceted joys, always finding time to indulge in the warmth of family bonds. His fondness for spending holidays surrounded by loved ones was well known, and his laughter echoing during family barbecues as he cheered for the Dallas Cowboys. A true jokester, Roberto’s lighthearted spirit ensured that there was never a dull moment in his presence. His humble demeanor and respectful nature made him not only a compassionate individual but also a man who made friends wherever he went—a testament to his belief that one should never meet a stranger.

In moments of rest from the demands of ranching, Roberto pursued the joys of fishing, hunting, and camping endeavors that complemented his love for the great outdoors. He cherished spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, eternally grateful for the gift of family. His playful engagement in baseball on various King Ranch teams added another layer of vitality to his remarkable life, complemented by evenings filled with friendly poker games and rounds of pool.

A proud Kineño, Roberto took immeasurable pride in the cowboy way of life, embodying the values and traditions that have shaped his community for generations. He relished in the noble endeavor of showing King Ranch Bulls, basking especially in the allure of King 55, a symbol of his passion for ranching excellence.

Roberto A. Silva’s indelible spirit will forever illuminate the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him. As we gather in remembrance of a man whose kindness, humor, and deep appreciation for family define his legacy, we pay tribute to a life well-lived, a cowboy of great renown, and a cherished soul who will be profoundly missed.

He is preceded in death by his son, Richard Silva; parents, Juan O. and Carmela (Adame) Silva; siblings, Juan A. Silva, Jr., Raul Silva, Ventura Quintanilla, Pedro Silva, Benita Elizondo, Elida Quintanilla, Barbara Elizondo, Emma Silva Green, and Herlinda Silva Quintanilla.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 48 years, Virginia R. Silva; sons, Roberto “Bob” (Christy) Silva, Jr., Kingsville, Tx., Adrian M. “Calonie” (Anna) Silva, and Jesse (Charlene) Silva; daughters, Delma (Arturo) Legarda, Fort Worth , Tx, Melissa Silva, Kingsville, Tx, Michelle Silva, Kingsville, Tx, Rachel (Zach) Buchmann, Frisco, Tx, and Elizabeth (David) Boatright, Calallen, Tx.; sisters, Alicia Silva and Maria (Johnathan) Reilly; 38 grandchildren,, 20 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at St. Martin Catholic Church. Immediately following mass, Roberto will be laid to rest, at Laureles Cemetery, Laureles King-Ranch.