Romelio Lerma (Roy), 82, passed away on June 15, 2024 peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones.  He is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters Rogelio Lerma, Carlos Lerma, Maria Alcorta and Delia Mireles. Also preceded in death by his parents Julian Lerma and Maria M. Martinez.

He was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and retired with many decorations, medals and awards. After his retirement from the Air Force, he was employed by the United Independent School District (UISD) for 17 years in the Air Conditioning Maintenance Department and retired in 2006. He is survived by his loving wife and life partner, Irma, of 58 years who wholeheartedly tended to him during his illness, his sister, Elvia Del Carmen Garza and Juliana Estela – his baby sister who pampered him during this time.

Roy or Ito as everyone called him with such affection was extremely proud of his little family. His only child and grandchildren were very close to him. Surviving him is his only daughter Cynthia C. Lopez (Fernando) and his two grandchildren: Valerie Lynn Lopez and Jacob Alan Lopez. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and other family members who will greatly miss him. Also Roy/Ito was known to be at every school function, game, tournament and event for his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Roy also known as “Coach Lerma” coached little league baseball for over 30 years where he bonded with so many players and their families. Rain or shine he was out there supporting the love for baseball.

The family is thankful to ALFA Home Health, his nurse, Cynthia Walker and caregivers Cynthia Mendoza and Sandra Alvarez for all their love and support. Mr. Lerma was blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends, Jesus and Veronica Peña, Pedro and Dalia Garza, Norma Elizondo and Mario and Mandy Valadez. A special thank you to Ms. Lerma’s prayer group who always brought so much joy into his home.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday, June 21, 2024 in the Angelus Chapel at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  A rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation services, where chapel doors will open at 7:00 am. A chapel service will be officiated at 9:00 am. Interment will follow to the Veterans Section at the Laredo City Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard and United States Air Force Honor Guard.

Pallbearers: Fernando Lopez, Jacob Lopez, Javier Lerma, Roger Lerma, Hector Lerma, Jerry Solis, Jesse Gonzalez and Luis Lerma.

Honorary Pallbearers are Carlos Hinojosa, Roberto Garza and Victor Hinojosa.

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

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