Ruben Garcia Valdez * August 22, 1932 - July 6, 2020: Deceased Brother of Legion of Mary Founding Member Berta Valdez Casillas and Uncle of Legion of Mary Active Member Marian Casillas
May he rest in God's Eternal Peace
Ruben Garcia Valdez of Del Rio, Texas, 87, went home to be with
our Lord on July 6, 2020.
He was born August 22, 1932 in Del Rio. He graduated from San
Felipe ISD and attended The University of Texas in Austin until his country
called him. He left the University to serve in the United States Army and
fought in the Korean War from October 5, 1954 - September 14, 1956. He was
Honorably Discharged and went back to Austin where he completed his studies and
graduated from University of Texas in Austin with a Zoology degree on August
13, 1957. After graduation, he returned to Del Rio to teach at San Felipe
ISD—Chemistry and Physics. He was involved when Del Rio ISD and San Felipe ISD
joined forces and consolidated as Del Rio San Felipe CISD. As a dedicated educator
and local citizen, he continued to work with the district for many years after
his retirement. He served in a variety of positions within the district:
Educator, Federal Programs Director, Food Service Director, Vice-Principal, and
others.
Ruben was a proud member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic
Church. He was a long-time member and past Vice Chairman of the American GI
Forum, serving since 1963. He also served on the board and as a former Chairman
of the Del Rio Housing Authority.
Ruben was a beloved, caring husband, father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, and loyal friend to all. He is survived by his wife, Maria
A. Valdez. His sons and daughters-in-law; Ruben G. Valdez Jr. and Rosa of
Austin, TX; Tomas Valdez and Maria of Mesquite, TX; Everett Valdez and Mary
Karen of Dripping Springs, TX; daughter-in-law Laura Valdez of Pennsylvania;
daughter and son-in-law Claudia and Frank Cardenas III of San Antonio, TX;
nephews and nieces; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son, Timothy Valdez; his parents
Apolonio Valdez and Paulita Garcia Valdez; his sisters Berta (Ernesto) Casillas
of Del Rio, TX; Julia (Vicente) Jimenez of San Jose, CA; Alicia (Gregorio)
Flores of Del Rio; brother Raul (Gloria) Valdez of Del Rio.
Ruben’s life was honored with a visitation on Saturday, July
11th at 9:00 AM at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Del Rio, TX. A Rosary
was recited at 10:00 AM; Funeral Mass immediately followed at 11:00 AM.
Visitation will end at 12:00 PM.
Burial with full Military Honors will take place at Fort Sam
Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX on August 21st at 1:00 PM. Ruben will reach his final resting place on his birthday, August
22nd, at San Felipe Cemetery in Del Rio, TX. Time to be determined.