Alonzo Zaragoza Laurel, Jr., 74, was called to be with our Lord on September 13, 2022. He passed away at home. He will be sadly missed. Alonzo worked as an attorney in Laredo for over thirty years. He will be remembered as a beloved brother, uncle and devoted friend.

Alonzo was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy (1966) in Laredo, Texas and continued his education to receive a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Texas at Austin in 1970 and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas in 1975.

Alonzo was a member of several law organizations. He attended many law conferences, always increasing his knowledge of the practice of law. Alonzo began his law practice in Laredo, Texas working with the District Attorney’s office. Afterwards, he worked several years with Hall and Zaffirini, attorneys. He later joined local attorney George Juarez, sharing office space. Alonzo had his law practice there for several years before retiring in 2006. Alonzo was a voracious reader. He loved reading anything historical or autobiographical.

Alonzo joined the Army Reserves and spent some time in Germany. In 1997, along with his siblings, all graduates of the university, established The Alonzo Z. Laurel and Esther G. Laurel Endowed Presidential Scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin. The scholarship supports future pharmacists from South Texas in their pursuit of higher education.

Weekends always found Alonzo watching sports football games, especially during college season. Alonzo loved watching the University of Texas Longhorns. He always hoped for a winning season. Alonzo loved watching other professional sports teams. His favorites were the LA Dodgers and the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.

Alonzo, with his siblings, was part-owner of the Rancho Don Alonzo, Alonzo Z. Laurel, Ltd., in Oilton, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo Z. Laurel and Esther Garcia Laurel; sister, Diana Maria Laurel; and brother-in-law Dr. Richard (Dick) Dale Swope.

Alonzo is survived by his sisters Sylvia (Luis) Vela of Laredo, Texas; Yolanda Laurel Swope of Boerne, Texas; Anita (Joe) Ramirez of San Antonio, Texas; and Nora (Brian) Francis of Fenton, Michigan; brother Ricardo (Gaby) Laurel of Boerne, Texas; nieces and nephews, Luis Alonzo (Dawn) Vela of San Antonio, Texas; Sylvia Yvette Vela of Laredo, Texas; Debbie (Eric) Wiesner of Montrose, Colorado; Sandra (Lucas) Reyna of San Antonio,Texas; David Peter Francis and Elizabeth Laurel Francis of Fenton, Michigan; and great-nephew Eric Caudle Jr. of Laredo, Texas; great-niece London Vela of San Antonio, Texas; great-nephew Rome Reyna of San Antonio, Texas; and numerous cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank all his wonderful friends for their friendship and support throughout the years. A special thank you to his caregiver and friend Laura Turner.

Flowers or donations to local animal shelters may be made in the name of Alonzo Z. Laurel Jr. would be welcome. Alonzo fed and took care of many stray cats that showed up at his doorstep. They always patiently waited for Alonzo to appear at his doorway with a can of food.

Visitation at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 will be held from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM on Thursday, October 6, 2022.  A Funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 555 E. Del Mar Blvd., Laredo, Texas 78041 at 10:00 AM. Inurnment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com