Reuben Olivo

Reuben was born on July 5, 1950 in Mathis, Texas. He started grammar school in Mathis, Texas until his family moved to Bay City, Texas where he graduated high school. College took him to Houston, Texas where he graduated with his BA degree from the University of Houston in 1974. A career was started with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department which developed into his life's passion for leisure services. It was also in Houston that he met his wife of 46 years, Inger F. Duncan. Reuben was urged to come to Austin by a close college friend as the Austin Parks and Recreation was up and coming. So in 1975, Reuben and Inger became life long residents of Austin, Texas. Reuben opened the newest recreation center in south Austin, South Austin Recreation Center. His services to Austin Parks and Recreation Department spanned many years at recreation centers and park playgrounds all over the city. There was a short break in his service with Parks and Recreation as he pursued his entrepreneurial desire. He was the owner of Express Rentals on Ben White Blvd., but the development of Ben White Blvd. in 1992 and the urging of the city for his return to Parks and Recreation brought him back until his retirement in 2014.

That Reuben loved all sports is an under statement. He played any sport involving a racket, paddle and a ball. The sport of boxing became an interest from his time at the Pan Am Recreation Center and evolved into a long time involvement with the STABA , South Texas Amateur Boxing Association. Reuben also loved the Lord serving as a Deacon and teacher at Beacon Ridge Baptist Church and Kinney Avenue Christian Fellowship. Reuben joined the Gideons ministry in 1991. He served as President and other capacities of the Gideon South Austin Camp. He was currently serving as Chaplain.

In his circles Reuben was bigger than life. In his circle of life here on earth it is finished.

Reuben is preceded in death by his parents; Jesus Olivo and Elva Aguilar Olivo; son, Matthew Herrera Olivo.

He is survived by his wife, Inger F. Olivo; son, Jackie “Jack” Lee Olivo; brothers, Jesus (Jesse) Olivo (Silvia) and George Olivo (Elva); sisters, Sylvia Garcia (Saul) and Martha Cantu (Eduardo); three grandchildren; Uncles; Aunts and many nieces, nephews and cousins all of Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Kinney Avenue Christian Fellowship, 1801 Kinney Ave, Austin, Texas 78704.

The memorial service may also be attended via:

1. You Tube Live Stream: https://www.kacfaustin.org/livestream

2. Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/kacfaustin/live

3. Zoom Live Stream: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5124426719 (Password:1234)

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider a donation In Memory Of to Gideons International at gideons.org/donate.