Paul Cruz

Pablo Cruz, no middle initial, was better known to all as Paul. He was a quiet man with a quick smile. When he spoke there would be surprising words of humor, warm genuine concern, or helpful wisdom.

His lifelong career in the foodservice community started sometime around age 14 washing dishes at La Tapitia Restaurant when it was located at 6th and Chicon. He made his rounds with various establishments and emerged with a strong work ethic and customer service skills that earned him respect from the workers to his regular customers. We know this because people would tell us how much they enjoyed working for him or visiting with him on Friday nights.

When he was about 17 or 18 years old, he worked at Lung’s Chinese Kitchen, he became aware of a beauty who worked across the street at Travis Laundry. He would wave at her with his white gloved hand as he caught her glance while working outside. Lena thought that this was funny, she and her friends nicknamed him Mickey Mouse. He married Lena in August of 1956 and they celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2021. They had a busy life working and raising a son. They always found time to have fun, meeting friends and family for celebrations or just hanging out having drinks and dancing. Lena says he was a good dancer. He enjoyed the occasional trip to Coushatta, Lake Charles, or Vegas to gamble a little. Mums the word when he returned.

Paul enjoyed music and dabbled with the accordion for a time. He was a great fan of his son James, and his band, Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes. He and Lena attended lots and lots of public performances, arriving early to find seats close and up front. He beamed with pride to see James behind the drums and buy drinks for the thirsty musicians. His grandson Julian is also a musician, Popo supported him until his last breath. Looking and listening to music videos and smiling from ear to ear, giving him the thumbs up of approval.

Paul will be remembered by family and friends for so many things, too many to list. From his quick action to help someone in need, figuring out a solution in a crisis, to tackling a repair project. We will miss his opinions on the Texas Longhorns, San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Cowboys. Most of all we will miss his cooking advice, his pecan pies, and cornbread dressing during the holidays.

Paul as he was known, was the youngest of nine siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, by his brothers Manuel Salazar, Lucio Cruz Jr., Atanacio Cruz Sr., Victor Cruz Sr., and by sisters, Blasa Romero, Dolores Cruz, Angela Reyes, and Guadalupe Gallardo.

Paul is survived by his wife, Marcelina Velasquez Cruz, a son, James Cruz, daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Cruz, and grandson, James Julian Cruz, all of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.