It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Humberto Saenz "Robert" Lara, who departed this life on May 28, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family after a courageous, year-long battle with a heart condition.

Viewing will be from 11:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Englunds Chapel, followed by a Rosary Service at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slaton. Interment will follow at Englewood Cemetery. Arrangements are by Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.

Robert was a man of formidable strength and unyielding devotion. Born on September 26, 1956, in Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Ignacio and Ramona Lara, he was the second of five children. He inherited the pioneering spirit of his father and felt a deep, instinctive drive to follow in those footsteps. When he suffered the loss of his eldest brother at a young age, he stepped forward as the family's eldest son, becoming an instrumental force in the growth and well-being of his brothers and sisters. Growing up in the mountains, he cultivated a lifelong love for the outdoors. At seventeen, he made the fearless decision to forge a path beyond his home, migrating to the United States to build a prosperous future. Following a journey through Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, he met the love of his life, marrying Tomasa Garcia Lara on April 16, 1980. He was a cowboy through and through, possessing a rare, rugged elegance and an iron will that defined his every action.

He dedicated his life to the land, finding his true calling in farming, ranching, and master-level equine training. For a decade, he anchored operations at Bob Lokey Quarter Horses in Lubbock, Texas, where he was renowned for his ability to handle the most stubborn horses, breaking and training them with an intuitive skill that few possessed. His passion for roping and commitment to the horse industry remained central to his character. He later furthered his career at Glassheen Farms, where he served as Ranch Supervisor, expertly managing their agricultural and livestock interests. He brought his career to its fullest expression at Plains Ranger Ranch, refusing to slow down and working with characteristic dedication until his final days. Throughout his tenure there, he held those around him in the highest esteem, regarding them as an extension of his own family. A sharp, wise man, he possessed a quick wit and brilliant humor — an unstoppable force who refused retirement and worked until the very end.

Together, he and Tomasa built a life of deep, permanent roots, raising a massive, harmonious family. As a patriarch, he was a fierce protector. His greatest joy was his role as mentor and grandfather, staying deeply involved in the lives of the youth, shielding them from hardship, and championing their success. His heart extended far beyond biology; he possessed a profound love for all children, acknowledging and caring for every child and stepchild within his extended circle as his very own, with no bias and unconditional devotion.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tomasa; his daughters, Cynthia Michele Lara and Lisa Marie Lara (Fermin Flores); his stepchildren, Manuel Cardenas Jr. (Sofia), Diane Cardenas, Tomie Cardenas, and Nancy Flores (Manuel); his grandchildren, Amber Micaela Maldonado, Robert Diego Maldonado, Paul Cardenas, Zenaida Cardenas, Alexis Cardenas, Victoria Cardenas, Ellianna Flores, Thomas Cardenas, and Christopher Flores, and his cherished fur grandchildren, Maximiliano "Max" Lara and Rowdy; his great-grandchildren, Elijah Hernandez, Zayd Flores, Acesyn Flores, Zane Garza, and Adrian Garza; his siblings; his 12 nieces and nephews; and a vast network of extended family in Camargo, Chihuahua.

He joins in eternal rest his parents, Ignacio and Ramona; his paternal grandparents, Francisco Lara and Guadalupe Ramirez; his maternal grandparents, Diego Saenz and Beatriz Fierro; his eldest brother; his brother, Refugio; his brother-in-law, Jose Guerrero; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and extended family members throughout Mexico.