Community Mourns Loss of Builder Robert Laverne Denison, Jr.

Robert Laverne Denison, Jr., a respected builder and beloved community member, passed away on January 9, 2026, in Cuero, Texas. He was 79 years old and leaves behind a legacy of family and contributions to the local housing market.

Born on October 16, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Robert was the eldest of ten children in the Denison family. He grew up in Victoria, Texas, where he completed his education at St. Joseph High School. Following high school, he attended Texas A&M University and proudly served in the Corps of Cadets, a formative experience that shaped his leadership skills.

Robert began his professional journey working at DuPont alongside his father in Victoria. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to establish his own successful home building and property development business. Over the years, he constructed numerous custom homes for families and developed notable subdivisions, including Windcrest and Highland Hills. His dedication to quality craftsmanship earned him recognition within the community, and he served as past president of the Builder’s Association of Victoria in 1993.

In his personal life, Robert married Nancy Tolbert, with whom he had two children, Lisa and Brad. Following the end of that marriage, he married Brenda Helweg, and they remained together until 2004. Throughout his life, Robert maintained a strong connection to nature, reveling in outdoor activities such as hunting and horseback riding on his property.

Robert’s passion for the outdoors extended to his family. He found joy in teaching his grandsons about the land and even honored them by naming streets in one of his developments after them. His commitment to family and community was evident in everything he did.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lorene Denison, as well as his sister, Charlotte Denison. Robert is survived by his daughter, Lisa Denison Lively (Matt), and son, Robert Bradley Denison. He is also survived by his grandsons, Mason Lively (Kelly), Andrew Lively, and Luke Lively, along with his great-grandson, Hudson Scott Lively. Additionally, he leaves behind seven siblings who shared a close bond: David Denison, Bernie Seal (Robert), Janie Pafford, Mary Rosales (James), Rick Denison, Chris Denison, Joan Bodwell (Lindsey), and Janet Charbula (Glen).

A celebration of Robert’s life will be organized at a later date, allowing friends and family to honor his memory together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Billy T. Kattan Recovery and Outreach Program, reflecting Robert’s commitment to supporting others in need.

As the community remembers Robert Laverne Denison, Jr., his impact on the lives he touched and the homes he built will not be forgotten.