Ruben Martinez

Ruben Martinez, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Ruben was born in San Antonio, TX on February 23, 1946 and proudly served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. One of the things that defined him was his combat experience in Vietnam. He never missed an opportunity to show off his military threads.

For 32 years, Ruben worked at the Audie Murphy Veterans' Hospital ~ helping other veterans was his life's calling. It was not uncommon for Ruben to give patients a ride home or to open his home and invite them to dinner.

He loved to barbeque; having people enjoy a good meal, laughter and conversation was his way of embracing his love. He had a green thumb and took great pleasure in working in his yard with his wife and partner of 40 years, Brenda. Together they created and maintained an oasis of flowers, fruits and vegetables in their backyard. Ruben loved music and family parties. If he had his way, we'd have a keg and a DJ for his funeral service. Above all else, Ruben loved his family ~ his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, wife, children and grandchildren.

He was a humble, generous man and, if he loved you, you knew it. Never one to pass up a dance, he taught us the value of not taking ourselves too seriously or living with too much regret.

In the words of his favorite singer, the late Freddie Fender, "Vaya con Dios, my darling".

Ruben is preceded in death by his parents, Gregorio and Margarita Martinez; siblings: Lucio Martinez, David Martinez and Alma Striker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Martinez; his children: Lisa Marie Bielefeld, Laura McBee, Sandee Goodrich, Michelli Ramon and Michael Martinez; twelve beloved grandchildren, four sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; his sisters: Delia Maldonado and Florencia Guzman; along with many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 1st from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the chapel at Porter Loring on McCullough with an Evening Service at 6:00 PM.

On Thursday, June 2nd, a Procession will depart Porter Loring at 12:45 PM for a Graveside service at Fort Sam Houston at 1:15 PM with USAF Military Honors.

Pallbearers will be Richard Cardenas, Raul Alonso, David Martinez, David Martinez, Jr., Greg Striker and Charlie Guzman. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to send donations in Ruben's honor to Rise Recovery http://riserecovery.org or the Alamo Heights School Foundation Wellness Program http://www.ahschoolfoundation.org/grants/wellness-program.

Ruben carried a legacy bigger than life, we will carry his memory in our hearts forever.