Ruben S. Garcia

     Ruben S. Garcia of Brownsville, Texas, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 21, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife and four daughters.

     He was preceded in death by his mother, Celia S. Garcia, father Rafael M. Garcia, and brothers Oscar Garcia and Ismael (Milo) Garcia.

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Mary M. Garcia, daughters Melinda Payan (Eddie), Cindy Schexnayder (John), Selina Vela (Raul), Lisi Garcia, sisters Maria Celia Garcia, Angelita Salinas, brother Rafael Garcia Jr. Grandchildren Lia Schexnayder, John Ruben Schexnayder, Diego Vela, Sophia Payan, and Beto Payan.

     Ruben S. Garcia was born on January 30, 1934 in Premont Texas where he had a happy and humble childhood with his brothers and sisters.  During his high school years at Premont High School, Ruben, aka “Topo†played football, basketball, and ran track.  A great student, he was well liked by his peers and voted Pep Squad Sweetheart and Class Favorite.    His smile and genuine kindness were infectious.  After graduating from high school in 1952, Ruben enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served in the Korean War.  After being honorably discharged, he attended Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas where he earned his degree in Biology.   In 1960, he began his career as an inspector with the United States Department of Agriculture in Brownsville, Texas.

     He met the love of his life, Maria M. Garcia, when he asked her to dance in Falfurrias, Texas. 

They were married on June 1, 1963.  One year later, they welcomed the first of four daughters and started building a family.  Being a father was one of his biggest accomplishments.  His daughters Melinda, Cindy, Selina, and Lisi considered him their hero.   The perfect role model, he was always there for them through their ups and downs, taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer, be kind to all, and to hold strong to their faith in God.  He led by example and always gave the best advice. 

    Devoted to his family, Ruben enjoyed planning adventures with them; beach trips to South Padre Island, camping and hiking at Garner State Park, visiting theme parks, and road trips to visit friends and family.  Aside from family outings, Ruben enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, Mary.  They led an active social life often gathering with their compadres, going to dances together, and playing bunco.

     Ruben led a stellar 35-year career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) where his hard work and dedication earned him the position of supervisor for Plant and Quarantine.   His work took him to different countries such as Spain, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Jamaica, Ecuador, and Korea for months at a time.  While there, he immersed himself in the cultures and the people’s way of life.  He made lasting friendships during his travels.  His daughters looked forward to their daddy’s return home so they would listen to his stories, see his photographs, and receive the many unique souvenirs he brought them.

     In his spare time, Ruben enjoyed golfing, hunting, metal detecting, and collecting coins and artifacts.  He loved barbecuing outdoors for family and friends, while drinking a cold Coors Light or a bourbon and coke.  Ruben’s favorite football teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns.  He had a love of gardening, and beautifully cultivated his backyard into a tropical paradise enhanced by his favorite croton plants and other exotic plants from around the world.  This passion for love of plants has been passed on to his daughters.

      Ruben was a wonderful grandfather to his 5 grandchildren and a great father-in-law to his three sons-in-law who he loved so dearly.  The time he spent with each of them will be cherished forever.  His legacy will live on in all who loved him.

In memory of Ruben Garcia, the family has designated Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) for memorial contributions.

Private memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 12 noon to 4 PM with a celebration of life at 1 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Services will conclude in the afternoon.