EARL RONE Earl Rone passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at a local hospital. Earl Rone, 96, was born in Laredo, Texas on February 10, 1915 to Edward Duke Rone and Fernanda G. Rone. He passed away 5 days short of his 97th year on February 5, 2012. After attending old Laredo High, he served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Following his discharge from the Army, he entered the U.S. Civil Service Program and served in various capacities, including the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture as an inspector; he traveled extensively throughout Mexico, followed by assignments at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas at Laredo Air Force Base and ended his career with another U.S.D.A. assignment in Mexico. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Estela (Betty) Gatica Rone, whom he met in Oaxaca, Oaxaca Mexico, while serving with the U.S.D.A. Other survivors include his 2 sisters, former Laredoan, Bessie Balladares, Houston and Mabel R. Cantu of Laredo, brother-in-law, Hugo Gatica Berdeja (Lilia) and sister-in-law, Carlota Tenorio Gatica (Leopoldo,+) of Mexico City, Mexico. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, including many former Laredoans; Melinda G. Cantu (Blas), Harlingen; Roberto E. Garza (Hortencia) of Coppell, Tx; Thelma G. Martinez (Henry), Columbus, Ohio; David Balladares, Houston; Richard Balladares (Alice), Austin; Oscar Balladares (Kathy), San Antonio; Michael Balladares, Austin; Cynthia Trichel (Doug), Keller, Tx. and Fina Garza (Ricardo), Houston. Thirteen nieces and nephews from Mexico also survive him. Earl was known to his family as a kind and caring man. He enjoyed good food and family visits. Following his retirement, he spent many hours working on home and garden projects, often accompanied by his beloved dog, Brunette. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the physicians and medical staff of Laredo Medical Center for their caring and comfort to Mr. Rone and family. Most especially, heartfelt thanks to friends and angels Laura and Pablo Cruz and their daughters, Laura and Paulina, for their unwavering care and devotion to both Mr. and Mrs. Rone - truly, their caring has been a labor of love. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the donor's favorite charity in Mr. Rone's memory. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. and a Vigil of the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. at San Bernardo Ave. Committal services will be held at a later time.