Rudolph "Rudy" Biera

Rudy Biera, 65 of Merkel, Texas, earned his angel wings on Sunday March 9, 2025. Surrounded by family, he passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer. Our thanks to the staff at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene for their compassion and due diligence in ensuring his dignity during his final days.  

Rudy, was one of eleven children, born in Merkel, Texas to Juan Castro and Elvira Acuna Biera on January 30, 1960. He attended Merkel schools and graduated from Merkel High School in 1978. After graduation, Rudy entered the workforce where he began his career with Nucorp Pipe & Supply in Tye, Texas for four years. In 1982, he went to work for the City of Abilene for eight years. He then transitioned into the world of retail and began working for the company giant Sam’s Club in Abilene where he also traveled in and out of the United States remodeling existing stores and new stores. Then after, he went on to work for Lowe’s and Garden Ridge in and around the DFW area. In 2010, he made a career change to work for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, serving at both the Robertson and Middleton Units for 9 years. In 2019, he then went to work for Taylor County Precinct 2, Landscape and Construction where he was currently employed. Rudy was known for his hard work ethic and took pride in all he did.

In Rudy’s spare time, he enjoyed doing woodwork, landscaping and even operated a side business, RB Handyman. He would never pass up an opportunity to help family or friends in need, and often worked on side projects such as home renovations, lawn care, building furniture or just various personal projects. He found joy and happiness in lending a hand to anyone in need. He also enjoyed spending time with the son he never had, Santos, including working on home improvement projects together, their drives to Merkel and Rudy would even accompany him outside when he was cooking out even though he wasn’t much of a fan of BBQ.

He also had a love for the game of baseball. His favorite position was catcher where he excelled playing for both Merkel League and Senior Leagues. He played baseball for the Merkel Tejanitos and spent his later years playing softball for various leagues. A huge New York Yankees fan, one would often find Rudy and his daughter, Leslie, traveling to Arlington rooting and hollering in the stands for a Yankees victory as they played the Texas Rangers. But what brought him his greatest joy was being the best “Papo” to his grand dogs Brooklyn and Bronx. He would look forward to their daily walks and together made lasting memories. As a man of faith, Rudy attended Saturday Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Abilene and frequently assisting as an usher. Immensely strong in spirit and manifesting courage, Rudy fought cancer to the very end. His life inspired many to enjoy God’s greatest gifts: faith, family and friends. He was an inspiration to all and would even find humor through the tough times.   

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Juan C Biera and Elvira Biera, sister Vicki Rodriguez, brother Joe Chris Biera, brother-in- law Robert Rodriguez and Frank Rodriguez, and grand dogs Brooklyn and Bronx.

Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Santos Valadez of Abilene; his sisters, Angelita Rodriguez of Abilene, Juanita (Luis) Valdez of Abilene, Liria “Kika”(Ruben) Graciano of San Marcos, CA, Christine(Dan) White of Abilene, and Rosie(Russell) Lucas of Sweetwater; his brothers, John Biera of San Antonio, Joe(Rick) Biera of Pueblo, CO, and Steve(Laurie) Biera of Sweetwater; nieces and nephews, Monica(Mitchell) Kelley of Castroville, Michelle Mendez of Mansfield, Ericka(James) Parker of Hillsboro, Anthony Valdez of Abilene, Gabriel Graciano of Vancouver, WA, Marie Graciano of San Marcos, CA, Zack Rodriguez of Austin, Nic Rodriguez of Bedford, Chris (Angela) Biera of Lubbock, Alex Biera of San Antonio, Jacob (Ale) Biera of Liberty Hill, Tyler(Michaela) Lucas of Sweetwater, Ryne(Emily) Lucas of Sweetwater, Tucker(Kaylie) Lucas of Abilene, Avery Biera of College Station, Lauren Biera of Sweetwater, and bonus nephew Brannon(JoBeth) Stegemoeller of Abilene; and great nieces and great nephews, Zoe Mendez, Jacob Parker, Anthony and Karina Valdez, Anissa and Xavier Biera, Leo, JR and Vickie Biera, Cooper, Parker and Hattie Lucas, Lee Castro and Zeke Lucas, Jake Lucas and 3 more on the way, and numerous cousins and friends. We will always remember him as a simple hardworking man with so much love for his family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Biera, Anthony Valdez, Ryne Lucas, Chris Biera, Daniel Flores, Jose Rosas, Gilbert Rivera and Robert Martinez.

Visitation will be 5:00 – 6:30 pm, Friday March 14, 2025 with Rosary to follow at Starbuck Funeral Home Chapel in Merkel. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday March 15,2025 at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church with Father Morgudi Bhaskar officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel.

Memorials and donations may be given to Hendrick Hospice Care and American Cancer Society. The family of Rudolph “Rudy” Biera wishes to extend their sincere thanks to, Dr. Ralph Heaven and staff at Taylor County Precinct 2, Landscape and Construction, medical staff and research teams at MD Anderson in Houston, Continue Care at Hendrick Hospital and Hendrick Hospice Care.

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