Ruben Felix Chapa

comfort of his home. Ruben is survived by his son David (Becky) Chapa, daughter Sandra (Sal)Pineda, granddaughter Allyssa Lynn; grandson Roger Matthew (Ashley) Herrera, great-grandson

Hayes Rice, wife Olie Salguero, stepdaughter Nelly (Enrique) Silcox, stepdaughter Letty

(Salvador) Salguero, stepson Armando (Yenny) Salguero, stepdaughter Belgie (Scott) Willey,

brother Adan (Reggie)Chapa and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Ruben

was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to everyone.

Ruben was born February 14, 1932 in San Manuel, Texas to Antonino and Elvira (Rodriguez)

Chapa. He had 8 siblings (Elvira, Irene, Berta, Lilia, Maria, Adan, Otila and Felix) and 5 halfsiblings

(Aurora, Ester, Zenon, Adela and Aminta). He was the second to youngest child. At

an early age during elementary school, his father died and he stopped attending school to start

working to help support his mother and siblings. He believed in the importance of education,

and he proudly obtained his GED as an adult to be able to provide for his wife and children.

In March 1951 he entered the Army and served in the Korean War as a cook. He obtained the

rank of Corporal and received the following decorations: Korean Service Medal with 2 Service

Stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantryman

Badge and Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge, he met the first love of his life, and on

May 29, 1954, he married his first wife of 57 years, Juanita (Mauricio). They remained married until Juanita passed in January 2012. Together they were blessed with four children, Victor, Rose, David & Sandra. He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita, his daughter Rose and son Victor. Ruben was

a jack of all trades, including carpenter, car repair, dock worker, bus driver, truck driver,

dynamite factory worker, handyman and welder. He was a millwright for many years before

retiring. He started his own business, Ruben’s Portable Welding before retirement and

operated his business full time after retirement. He loved to work and keep himself busy. His

work ethic was to say at the least, exceptional. After retirement Ruben & Juanita spent many

years traveling, gathering with friends in their card club, and enjoying their grandchildren.

During his younger years, he was a scoutmaster and enjoyed passing his knowledge to young

minds. He volunteered regularly at many church functions and supported several charities

during his entire life. He enjoyed boating, fishing and camping trips with family and friends,

playing guitar and singing. Ruben met his second wife, Olie Salguero, at a Nifty After 50 gym. He invited her for a cup of coffee and after dating for a year they were married on June 10, 2017. They were fortunate to treasure golden year moments together. Ruben was known for his mustache’s unique styles, including handlebar. He was a happy go lucky guy that loved joke telling and unique sayings. A few of our favorites are below:

“If we ain’t got it, you don’t need it.”

“Do the best with what you’ve got.”

“Whatever you do, don’t get old.”

This quote wasn’t one he said, but it is the way he lived:

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

SERVICES

Burial:

All Souls Cemetery and Mortuary

4400 Cherry Ave.

Long Beach, California 90807

Although we would love to see everyone, we are asking for family and friends to stay at home to be safe. If you decide you would still like to attend, all attendees are required to wear a mask and each household is required to maintain a 6 ft distance from other households (at both the church

and the cemetery). You are also welcome to attend the funeral at the cemetery by vehicle.

You can remain in your vehicle and drive by after the final blessing. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation in memory of Ruben Chapa to theAlzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org