Robert Saldibar

Robert Saldibar - May 6, 1945 - August 7, 2025

A light has gone out in our community with the passing of Robert Saldibar, a man whose life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. He died peacefully at home on August 7, 2025, at the age of 80, in Odessa, Texas.

Born on May 6, 1945, in Eden, Texas, to Ramon and Mary Saldibar, Robert’s early life was marked by challenges that he met with determination. Despite a childhood spent as a migrant worker, which meant he often missed the start of the school year and even repeated the first grade three times, he never gave up on his education. His tenacity paid off when he graduated from Eden High School in 1966. While in high school, he wasn't just a student; he was an athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and track, and he was a key part of the 1964 Regional Champion Eden Bulldog football team as their manager. He held a part time job at the gas station that is now a lawn mower repair shop and also sold men's mail order shoes and managed to sell a pair to Mr. Sanders the School Superintendent. He also participated in the Mexican Baseball Summer League with Los Indios in Eden. His community spirit was evident even then, as he helped start a local chapter of the American G.I. Forum. He enlisted and served in the Texas Army National Guard in September 1965.

Robert's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a lifelong Catholic, serving as an altar server in his youth and attending Mass every Sunday. He passed this deep faith on to his children, ensuring it was his number one priority.

He married Maria De La Paz Perez, on July 16, 1966. He worked for Foremost Dairy and then spent three decades as a farmer in North Reagan County before retiring from Midland Safety & Health Sales & Service, Inc. on August 8, 2019. His dedication extended beyond his family and work; he was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, the parish Knights of Columbus Council, and served on the school board for Reagan County Independent School District. After moving to Odessa, he became a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Robert was a true conversationalist who never met a stranger. He had a passion for reading, collecting, and playing games and sports. A man with a legendary sweet tooth, he had a particular fondness for millionaire candy, anything chocolate, and his favorite, Blue Bell Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream. Sharing a meal or a dessert with family and friends was one of his greatest joys. He will be remembered for his friendly nature, his love of westerns and music, and his infectious love of life. He will be missed by all who knew him one way or another.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Mary; his brother, Ruben; his nieces, Mary Shesler and Dorothy Shesler; and his nephew, Scotty Shesler.

Robert's legacy lives on through Maria De La Paz Saldibar, and their five children: Robert Jr. (Pam), Roland, Berta, Rita Jasso (Sammy), and Raymond Sr. (Laura). He is also survived by his siblings, Ralph (Margarita), Sylvia Shesler (Victor), and Omar; his nine grandchildren, Ashli Taylor, Ridge Saldibar, Matthew Killingsworth (Victoria), Justin Garcia, Valerie Gonzalez (Luis), Jennifer Garcia, Raymond Jr. Saldibar, Violet Saldibar, and Berta Jasso; and his five great-grandchildren, Bayli Saldibar Lorenson, Myles Taylor, Esmerelda Saldibar, Luis Mateo Gonzalez, and Eliza Rae Gonzalez. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hilario and Dora “the neighbor lady” for their friendship. We also extend our thanks to Emery, Noemi, Olga, and Mike with StarHospice Healthcare @ Home, and the entire medical team for their compassionate care.

Service Details

Visitation & Rosary

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a rosary at 6:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 6801 E. Hwy 80, Odessa, TX 79762.

Mass of Christian Burial

A final visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:30 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2300 Farm to Market 2401, Garden City, TX 79739, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed on the parish Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/stlawrencegc.

Burial & Reception

Interment will follow at the St. Lawrence Cemetery. Attendees are warmly invited to meet in the parish hall for a lunch provided by St. Lawrence Catholic Church and its parishioners.

Pallbearers will be Ridge Saldibar, Matthew Killingsworth, Justin Garcia, Raymond Saldibar Jr., Andy Perez IV, and Albert Perez.