Refugio Banuelos

Jose Refugio “Rufus” Banuelos, 70, passed away on October 28th, 2016 in Reno Nevada. Rufus, known as Cuco by his family, was born in Mexico to Salvador and Amalia Banuelos on October 2, 1946. He relocated to Oxnard, Ca with his family as a young teen and joined the Air Force during the Vietnam War, eventually launching his long time civil service as an engineer for the Navy. He was devoted to the Lord, his family, and will always be remembered. Rufus is preceded in death by his father, Salvador and brother–in-law, Keith Kurz. He is survived by his mother, daughter (Gina Falch and husband Edward), six sons (Refugio Jr and wife Monica, John Paul and wife Kristen, Matthew Isaac, David Michael, Jacob Carrol, Joseph Julian), four sisters (Maria Estella Sanchez and husband Bernardo, Alicia Kurz, Frances Elizondo and husband Edward, Celia Rivera and husband Steve), two brothers (Rudy and Manuel), six grandchildren (Nicholas, Anthony, Emma, Kaya, Riley, Tallulah), and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be his sons (John Paul, Matthew Isaac, David Michael, Jacob Carrol, Joseph Julian) and son-in-law (Edward Falch). The family wishes to extend thanks to doctors, nurses, and staff at Morning Star in Sparks, Nv, Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nv, and VA Sierra Nevada Health Care in Reno, Nv. Viewing services will be held on Sunday, November 13th from 1PM-5PM at El Camino Memorial located on 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, Ca 92121. Mass services will be held on Monday, November 14th, 2016 beginning at 11AM at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church located on 7669 Girard Ave, La Jolla, Ca 92037. A celebration of life reception will be hosted by his sons from1PM to 4PM at Cafe Coyote Restaurant located on 2461 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, Ca 92110. Burial services will be held on Tuesday, November 15th beginning at 9AM at Miramar National Cemetery located on 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, Ca 92122. A private brunch will be held for his immediate family and guests following the service.