Lauro Cavazos

Lauro Fred Cavazos, 95 years, passed away 3/15/2022 in his long-time place of residence in Concord, Massachusetts. A sixth generation Texan, born on the King Ranch to Lauro Faustino and Tomasa (Quintanilla) Cavazos on 1/4/1927. His parents emphasized to their children that education and service were important qualities.

His life was full, fueled by many passions including science and education. He attended Kingsville high school. He joined the army, serving stateside during the last part of World War II. He continued his education earning bachelor's and master’s degrees in zoology from Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University). He then earned a doctorate in physiology from Iowa State University. He became a professor of anatomy at the Medical College of Virginia. In 1964 he became a professor and later the dean of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He returned to Texas Tech University to serve as president of the university from 1980 to 1988. In 1988 he was asked by then President Ronald Reagan to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Education. He held this position for the last few months of the Reagan administration, and was then reappointed by incoming President George H. W. Bush. He resigned in 1990. He had many honorary degrees and publications, including 2 books. With his fluency in Spanish, he instructed students in Mexico, Central and South America. He enjoyed fishing, lapidary and Scotch. When he fished, he would catch something with almost every cast. Many family and friends were lucky enough to receive gifts he created using his fine gem cutting skills.

He leaves behind the loves of his life, wife Peggy, son Larry Cavazos (Suzanne), daughter Sarita Schoenstein (Tom), son Rick Cavazos, daughter Alicia Cohen (Randy), daughter Victoria Young (Craig), son Rob Cavazos (Jennifer), daughter Rachel Wise (Don), daughter Veronica Battye (David), son Tom Cavazos (Brenda), and son Daniel (Elizabeth). He also has 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; with a rosary to begin at 6:30 PM. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 25, 2022 at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church.  Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. A reception will be at the King Ranch Museum/Ice House.