Rueben Louis Brownshadel

Rueben Louis Brownshadel, 91, of Austin passed away on November 20, 2015. He was born on April 13, 1924 to Louis and Rosie Brownshadel in Hungerford, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lad Brantley; brothers, Elton and Gilbert; and grandsons, Matt and Luke Brownshadel.

Rueben is survived by his beloved wife of 71 ½ years, Abie Ann Duckett Brownshadel; his daughter, Francie and husband David Frederick of Austin; his son, Elton Brownshadel and wife Patti of Hempstead; grandchildren Lara and husband Steve Gibson of Austin and Blake Brownshadel and wife Laura of Dallas; and great-grandchildren, Kate and Stephen Gibson and Matthew and Elle Brownshadel.

Rueben graduated from East Bernard High School. He retired as a machinist from Texas Gulf Sulphur Co in Newgulf and Beaumont, Texas. He then worked in the refineries of Jefferson County's Golden Triangle for 10 years after certification as a pipe fitter through Local 195.

Much to the delight of family and friends, he could repair anything and generously shared his skills as "Mr. Fix-It". Rueben enjoyed football, hunting, boxing and ranching. He was a family man and a good man. Rueben and Abie lived in Newgulf, Nederland, and Austin, moving to The Summit at West Lake in 2008.

Special thanks to Hospice Austin (caregiver Ella Flowers and nurse Sally Dykstra), Dr. John Sandbach of Texas Oncology, the Leukemia Clinic at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center ( in remission for 21 years), and the doctors and staff at Austin Valve Clinic.

Private services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin or UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.