Community Remembers Robert Laverne Denison, Jr. After His Passing

Robert Laverne Denison, Jr. passed away on January 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of community involvement and family devotion. Born on October 16, 1946, in Houston, Texas, he was the eldest of ten children and grew up in Victoria, Texas.

Denison graduated from St. Joseph High School and attended Texas A&M University, where he proudly participated in the Corps of Cadets. He began his professional journey by working with his father at DuPont in Victoria. Later, he established a successful business in home building and property development, significantly impacting the local housing market. Denison was instrumental in constructing numerous custom homes and was the developer behind the Windcrest and Highland Hills subdivisions.

His contributions to the construction industry were acknowledged through his active membership in the Builder’s Association of Victoria, where he served as president in 1993. Denison continued his work until his retirement from building in 1999.

Family was central to Denison’s life. He married Nancy Tolbert, with whom he had two children, Lisa and Brad. Following their separation, he married Brenda Helweg, maintaining a close bond until 2004. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting and spending quality time on his property with his horses. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Denison cherished moments with his grandsons, imparting his knowledge and appreciation for nature to them. In a personal touch, he even named streets after his grandsons in one of his developments.

Denison is survived by his daughter, Lisa Denison Lively, her husband Matt, and his son, Robert Bradley Denison. His grandsons, Mason Lively, Andrew Lively, and Luke Lively, along with his great-grandson, Hudson Scott Lively, continue to carry forward his legacy. He is also remembered by his siblings: David Denison, Bernie Seal, Janie Pafford, Mary Rosales, Rick Denison, Chris Denison, Joan Bodwell, and Janet Charbula.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date, providing an opportunity for family and friends to gather and honor Denison’s memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Billy T. Kattan Recovery and Outreach Program, reflecting Denison’s commitment to community and support for those in need.