Ruben John Mendoza, age 65, of Kyle, Texas, passed away Friday, January 11, 2013. Ruben was born on August 20, 1947 to Ruben and Lola Mendoza and grew up in Pacoima, California. He was the oldest of 8 children and has three brothers: Rod, Steve, and Randy; and four sisters: Shirley, Adrienne, Georgia, and Norma.
Immediately after graduating from San Fernando High School in 1966, Ruben began working at Lockheed in Burbank, California, as a Production Control Supervisor. On September 19, 1966, when he was 19 years old, Ruben enlisted in the Army. He proudly served in the Overseas Service European Command in Germany as a Sergeant from 1967 to 1969. During his time in the Army, Ruben enjoyed playing on the Army baseball team.
When he was discharged from the Army, Ruben returned to Lockheed where he proudly worked as a dedicated employee for the next 30 years. After retiring from Lockheed, he worked at various companies such as Sears, the United States Post Office as a contract provider, and was also co-owner of The Links in La Vernia Golf Course.
Ruben’s daughter, Yvette Mendoza, was born on April 4, 1972. His son, Ruben Mendoza, Jr. (Guy), was born on October 6, 1975. Several years later, Ruben met the love of his life, Dee Guillory. On March 29, 1980, they were married at the Chapel of the Bells in Las Vegas and two years later moved to Texas. As time went on, Guy met and married Erin. A few years ago, Ruben was blessed as he became a grandfather to Quashawn and Angel, Guy and Erin’s adopted children. His other “children” were his dogs that he loved so much. He and his German Shepherd, Maggie, would howl together and play soccer all of the time.
His grandchildren loved watching movies with their grandpa and looked forward to learning to play golf just like grandpa. Ruben loved to golf with his wife, his nephews, and his friends. For several years, he played in tournaments with his brother, Steve, and boasted a single digit handicap. As a very friendly and caring person, everyone loved him just as much as he loved everyone. He would always go out of his way to help others and befriend all who crossed his path, just like his father. Ruben volunteered as a Big Brother in Austin and also with the Texas Special Olympics in San Marcos.
Ruben joined his father, Ruben Mendoza, and other family members and friends in Heaven on January 11, 2013. He is survived by his mother Lola Mendoza, his wife Dee, daughter Yvette, son Ruben, Jr. (Erin), grandsons Quashawn and Angel, brothers Rod (Olivia), Steve (Karen), Randy (Vibiana), sisters Shirley Perea, Adrienne Moreno (Tony), Georgia Smith (Dan), Norma Herrera (Greg), and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends too many to name.
Ruben will be missed, but his legacy lives in all of us.
Memorial services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Kyle United Methodist Church located at 408 W. Lockhart Street in Kyle Texas.
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