Rene Bautista

Rene Bautista, 65, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar (Dora) Bautista.

Rene proudly served in the United States Army Reserve from 1979 to 1990, where he demonstrated courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to his country. Following his military service, he continued his dedication to public service by working over 15 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. After his years of service, he returned to Laredo, where he devoted his life to his family and community.

Rene was a devoted and loving husband, sharing 39 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Maria del Carmen Bautista. Their marriage was built on faith, loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. Through life’s joys and challenges, they stood side by side, supporting one another with strength and devotion. Carmen was his partner in every sense — his greatest supporter, his confidant, and the love of his life. Together they built a home filled with warmth, resilience, and deep family values that will continue through generations.

He was also a loving and proud father whose greatest joy was his family. He had a deep passion for cars and cherished the many memories made racing alongside his brothers. Whether spending time with loved ones, sharing stories, or working on cars, Rene found happiness in the simple moments surrounded by family. He will be remembered for his warm spirit, kindness, strength, humor, and unwavering support for those he loved.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 39 years, Maria del Carmen Bautista; his children: Christina Reyes, Natasha (Guillermo) Soriano Jr., Abelardo (Dora) Bautista, and Felipe (Brandon) Bautista; grandchildren: Isabella Ramos, Victoria Ramos, Leah Ramos, Daniella Ramos, Nathan Soriano, Erik Soriano, Edward Soriano, and Javier Soriano; siblings: Leticia Zapata, Oscar (Lilia) Bautista Jr., David Bautista, Diana (Jesus Antonio) Villarreal, and Fernando Bautista; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday evening, February 26, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday morning, February 27, 2026, departing at 10:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to St. Peter’s Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the City of Laredo Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Guillermo Soriano Jr., Nathan Soriano, Adrian Zapata, James Bautista, Edgar Pacheco, Erik Soriano, Gerardo Inocencio, and Alex Bautista.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.