When you hit "a" from the internet menu of the Prison Board computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) that Ruben ran, this is the special menu that Ruben set up to allow Atari users to use to direct them to other Atari BBSs.  As said before all those Atari computer users needed was to know how to find Ruben's BBS and he took care of the rest.

When you hit "x" from the main menu of the Prison Board computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) that Ruben ran, this is the special menu that Ruben set up to allow Atari, Commodore, and other users to use to direct them to other BBSs.  All those retro computer users needed was to know how to find Ruben's BBS and he took care of the rest.

This was the  menu on the Wildcat software version of the Prison Board computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) that Ruben ran, this menu remained fairly unchanged for the majority of the time.   From here you could select "D" for the Door Games which were like add on games.  The majority of the games were text based though some simple character animations happened.

There were "M" for the message area to leave messages in discussions to other users.

You could "P" for Paging Ruben, and he even answered a few times and we chatted.

When you logged into the Wildcat software version of the Prison Board computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) that Ruben ran, this is the picture that displayed for quite a few years.

(This picture was the business card Ruben had on his website back in 2007 at least)

Fellow Dallas computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) users have lost a great supportive BBS System Operator (SysOp) and friend with Ruben, and lost the great the Prison Board BBS.  Prison Board BBS was for a long time a dial-up BBS, then added the internet/telnet and then went completely telnet and dropped the phone line.  Was a technically diverse BBS running about every BBS software it seemed that Ruben could find.

Ruben was a friend of mine since the late 90s and his BBS I used to go to play "Legend of the Red Dragon" (LORD) on a regular basis for over two decades.  And other technical shanagans happened thanks to Ruben's help.
  
With his BBS Atari Users were able to call out to other Atari BBSs back in days when we were not able to emulate a URL easily when we started to call BBSs over telnet and the internet instead of dial-up.  In simplier wording, Ruben's BBS was like a telephone operator directing calls.  

Technology has improved with devices like the FujiNet, where the directing was not needed.  The Atari and other retro BBSs florish now, but quite a few of those users were from the days the Prison Board BBS provided that operator menu service.  I lknow that Ruben and his BBS had a part in building the interest in at least Atari BBSs that we see now.

Seemed I was throwing the oldest computers onto the internet just for fun through Ruben's BBS and he was supportive of it.  Atari 800, Sol Terminal 20, even an Intellivision Game system with computer expansion, of which from the late 70s, all were done through his BBS.  And Ruben got a kick out of it.

Man going to miss you Ruben.  Rest well, you've earned it!

We met Ruben through his daughter, Andrea. It was Andrea’s love and kindness and patience that we first got to know. We knew Ruben early on but peripherally. It was during Covid when my son’s school shut down that we really got to know Ruben’s love. Andrea managed my son, Oliver’s, schooling in Ruben’s home. I’m not good with words but Carlos spoke it best during the service today. Ruben’s family leads with love and faith. And I don’t really know where my family would be without them. Because of Ruben’s strength his family will forge on stronger even in his absence. What a blessing to experience this kind of love in my lifetime. Ruben, thank you.

Our deepest condolences to you and your entire family. May he rest in peace

Ruben, Your presence is being missed. You were a very nice Compadre. I’m glad I was able to drive you home every Tuesday from dialysis for over 2 1/2 years.  We will meet again in heaven.  Your Comadre Martha Beam

I applied and was hired by the Federal Bureau of Prisons on January 1975 and reported to FCI Seagoville.
During my orientation phase I met Reuben Figueroa who was the assistant resource manager under Frank Wood Personnel Manager.
Reuben was very helpful during my initial interview and was always available if I needed any administrative assistance. 
Reuben and I always maintained a friendly relationship on and off duty. He always addressed me as “hey Viejo” or “ Hey old man”. 
Reuben being an administrative person and me being union president never interfered with our friendship. I last spoke to Reuben during a credit union dinner in January 2019.
I know Reuben is in a better place which he earned through his kindness on this earth with all the people he enter acted with, it’s just who Reuben was.
I ask my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to bless all his surviving family members and friends with his grace, peace, love and mercy during this challenging time.
Yes Reuben, you are in a much better place by the grace of Almighty God.
Your friend Santiago (Jim) Dominguez

My dear cousin Ruben...We did some crazy things together. We had each others back, as kids tried to take advantage of the younger siblings in our families. I remember the small house on Day street that grew with the family. I remember you and maybe 4 of your siblings coming to live with us for a while in our two bedroom home while your mother recovered from the hospital. We were always family. My dad helping your mother and father get started here in the US and your hard working dad keeping our cars running and other things repaired. Our dads worked hard to send us to Catholic schools...school days at St Philips and Bishop Lynch. We rode together in school and stuck together. Our parents were tough on us but we became strong because of it. I will miss you primo, and I cherish our childhoods together. Great grief is a sign of great love.  I will remember you always. God Bless you may you rest in the peace

I'm so sorry for your loss. Ruben was such a kind, wonderful boss, and friend. Praying for comfort for all of the family.

I worked with Ruben at FCI Otisville, New York. Ruben was a very wonderful person and so very kind hearted. My sincere condolences go out to all of the family.

My deepest sympathy for all of Rueben’s loved ones. He hired me at FCI Seagoville and we kept in contact sporadically throughout the years. He was an amazing man. ❤️🪽❤️🪽

Oh my, say it isn't so. Ruben was a gentle soul and will be dearly missed.

Ruben was my friend and coworker at FCI Seagoville.  Great memories of spending time together just talking.  He was always my computer guy.  You will be missed.  Rest easy my friend.  Thank you for your kindness.  May God wrap His comforting arms around this family, and His peace overflow you all.

My condolences and prayers to all of the Figueroa family. 
Phyllis Ferguson

This picture was taken a year or two. At the Christmas Figueroa Party. When I took the picture. He said. He wanted me to capture this memory

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ruben Dario Figueroa Jr.

28 avril 1951 – 27 janvier 2025

Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home

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