Lamberto Pelayo Laxamana

Lamberto “Bert” Pelayo Laxamana, 90, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a long journey with dementia. In his final years, he was cared for at home by his daughter, Arlene, with steadfast support from her husband, David, ensuring he remained surrounded by dignity, comfort, and love. He was born on December 16, 1934, in Buas, Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines, to Tomas and Justina Laxamana, the third of eight siblings.

As a young child, Bert lived through the occupation of his village during World War II. He recalled witnessing the hardships of that time, including seeing his father struck with the butt of a rifle by a Japanese soldier—a moment that left a deep and lasting impression. These experiences shaped his early understanding of resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of protecting one’s family. They formed the strength and determination he carried throughout his life.

Bert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Avelina “Belen” Laxamana, with whom he shared more than 40 years of marriage. Belen was the heart of the home—steady, warm, and full of life. Where Bert was quiet, steady, and introverted, Belen was expressive, social, and outwardly joyful. Their differences balanced one another in ways that shaped the atmosphere of their household. They laughed, struggled, learned, and chose one another again and again.

When Belen retired, she and Bert devoted themselves to helping raise their grandson, Loren “LJ” Lamberto Lee, caring for him daily until he was old enough to start school, filling their home once more with the joy and energy of a child. They were nine years apart, and Bert always believed he would be the one to die first. When Belen passed, he carried her memory with him every day, and his love for her never left him.

He is survived by his daughter, Arlene Laxamana-Jardine, and her husband, David; his son, Arnold Laxamana, and his wife, Rosa; and his grandchildren, Loren Lamberto Lee, and Logan Everett and Audrey Mae Laxamana. He is also remembered by his brothers, Virgilio, Deogracias, and Francisco, along with lots of extended family across the Philippines and the United States.

Bert was a civil engineer and self-made craftsman. Before immigrating to the United States, he worked with the Corps of Engineers, contributing to major infrastructure projects across the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

He was later recruited by Nelson Hoss to join an engineering firm in Tulsa, OK. With courage and purpose, Bert and Belen came to the United States in 1979, bringing with them their daughter, Arlene, who was just 11 months old. Mr. Hoss played an integral role in helping them establish their new life in Oklahoma, opening the door to the opportunities that would shape their family’s future. Though the firm changed names over the decades, Bert remained with the same company throughout his entire career—a testament to his loyalty, work ethic, and dedication. He continued his work there until retiring at the age of 75, building a stable foundation for the family he loved. Through perseverance, he was able to bring additional family to America and establish their home in Kendalwood 3 in Glenpool, Oklahoma—one of the first houses in the neighborhood.

Bert was a longtime member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), where he served as a deacon for many years until his health and age made it difficult to continue.

At home, when he wasn’t reading the newspaper, working through crossword puzzles, or watching the news or his favorite westerns, Bert was rarely idle. He made numerous additions to the house by hand, often working alone and teaching himself new skills along the way. He built much of the furniture his family used—tables, cabinets, and shelves that continue to carry the mark of his craftsmanship.

Outside of Belen’s cooking, which he loved deeply, he had his favorites: KFC Original Recipe chicken, McDonald’s french fries, a good steak from Outback, and Hawaiian rolls with butter and hot tea. During the years when Belen was alive, the house was often filled with music—Bert joining in karaoke with joy and laughter, a part of life that gently faded with her passing.

Bert will be remembered for his determination, humor, and spirited nature. His memory remains in the rooms he shaped, the furniture crafted by his hands, and in the family who continues to live within the legacy he created.

In his final moments, My Way played softly in the room—“I did it my way”—and with that familiar melody, he took his last breath, reunited at last with Belen.

An open casket visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Schaudt’s Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial Dr., Tulsa, Oklahoma. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, led by his daughter Arlene and her husband David.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to assist with burial expenses.