Ruben Hernandez Gonzales

A Memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene.

Ruben was born on October 28, 1946, to the late Jesus and Benina (Hernandez) Gonzales. He was born in McAllen, Texas and grew up in Abilene. He was one of 12 children and enjoyed growing up in a large close-knit family. He was a lifelong catholic attending St. Frances and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches. In 1965 he joined the United States Army and served his country faithfully and proudly during Vietnam. Though he endured hardships from his time in war he was still a proud veteran. He absolutely loved sports, especially football and boxing. He came from a boxing family and truly enjoyed his role as a boxing coach. He loved his family and enjoyed creating special memories with them. He was proud of his only grandson and was everyone’s favorite uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Johnny, Eddie, Raulito, Jesse and Ray Gonzales.

He is survived by his wife, Corina Gonzales; daughter, Pearl Gonzales Owens; grandson, John Nicholas Owens; stepson, Jonathan Stokes; siblings, Lupe, Jacinto and Bella Gonzales, Mary Bautista, Gloria Rodriguez and Rosa Moreno; numerous loving nieces, nephews, and many special cousins.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Wounded Warriors Project.