Reuben Sanchez

Reuben Sanchez, age 60, of Austin, TX passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2022. He is survived by his Loving Wife, Rebecca Herrera Sanchez; his children, Reuben Michael, Nicholas Alexander, and Gabriel Rey; Mother, Carolina Sanchez; Brothers, Eddie and Alfred Jr.; Sister, Debbie Warner; numerous Nieces and Nephews. Preceding him in death was his father, Alfred Sanchez.

Reuben was a proud veteran of the United States of America. Upon graduating from Lanier High School, Reuben enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He valued his service highly and attained specialty in Electronic Mechanical Communications & Cryptographic; Equipment Systems. As part of his service, he received the following: Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Ribbon. Reuben was honorably discharged in 1983 and continued to serve in the National Guard until 1986.

With the experience he gained in the Air Force, Reuben immediately started his long and successful career in mechanical and electrical technology. He spent the next 39 years utilizing his expertise in troubleshooting and fixing hi-tech machinery, to leading large teams, and making lifelong friends along the way. At his death, Reuben was a Value Stream Leader for Electronic Systems (ES) Countermeasures & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions (CEMA) Operations at BAE Systems - an advanced defense technology company that protects people and national security, and keeps critical information and infrastructure secure. His BAE career gave Reuben the continued opportunity to support the defense of his beloved country. “Reuben was employed at BAE Systems for 4 years, all with dedicated service to the Gen3 program team and the warfighter. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Reuben brought endless passion to our mission. Words do little to express the joy that Reuben brought to those around him and the tremendous gap this now leaves. Anyone that knew him, would consider him a friend.”- BAE Systems, ATX Leadership Team.

From his youth until his death, Reuben was an avid sports fan. Baseball was his passion in high school and men’s competitive softball became his passion in adulthood. For many years, he had the pleasure of playing on his father’s team as their shortstop. He played alongside his father, uncles, cousins and friends, for many years. This love of sports continued with his three sons. He taught them, coached them and passed down the love of sports to them. Reuben coached his son’s teams in soccer, basketball, and baseball with an incredible passion. With 20 years of coaching boys, he gave back to the community in a way that has had lifelong impacts on numerous young men: “He was a great man, and will always be my coach. My favorite coach. He had a giant impact on my life and I will forever be grateful for that.”; “He was a great coach and dad, I’ll always remember his motivation and charisma around the ball field”; “I remember him being nice and supportive back when we were in youth soccer.”; “Big Reuben played a large part in a lot of us growing up and will be missed by all. I’ll forever hear his laugh and see that big smile.”; “This makes me speechless! Coach Rueben was one of the greatest men around! We cherish our baseball memories and always will!”; “I love Coach - your father was a great and compassionate person”; “Your dad was an amazing coach as well as an amazing roll model and person , my family and I were blessed to have known him and I was blessed to have him as a coach.”

Reuben not only served his community on a ballfield but touched so many people with his volunteering efforts. He served with all of his heart in the Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels, and The Town & Country Optimist Club.

Reuben was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He kept Austin as his home and married the love of his life, Rebecca. They were married for 38 years upon his passing. Theirs was a true love story that born three remarkable sons, Reuben Michael, Nicholas Alexander, and Gabriel Rey. He was an incredible husband and father. He inspired and supported all three sons to attend college, with Reuben and Nicholas graduating from UTSA and Gabriel in his Senior year at UTSA. They will carry on his legacy of integrity, compassion, faith, and love.

Reuben loved his family and friends dearly. His smile, love and laughter met his mother, brothers, sister, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, and countless friends at every gathering. He loved family gatherings, cooking, attending sporting events and vacationing on the beach. He was light and love for them all.

Reuben Sanchez made a significant impact on so many lives. He will be revered and remembered by all who knew him and loved him, “Just a beautiful soul who made the world a better place. Heaven will get a great one.”; “He was such an amazing shining light of love and happiness and always made everyone he met feel comfortable and like family.”; “He certainly left his mark on this world.”; “Just a beautiful soul who made the world a better place. Heaven will get a great one.”; “Earth will not be the same without his contagious laugh and smile.”; “Taught us to love and enjoy every minute on this earth as he did with a smile from ear to ear.”

Services honoring the life of Reuben Sanchez will be held:

5-7PM Visitation, Monday, February 7th, 2022

7PM Rosary Service

Cook Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660

2PM Funeral Mass, Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

9500 Neenah Avenue, Austin, TX 78717

Committal Service After Mass

Cook Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660

Reception Immediately Following

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

9500 Neenah Avenue, Austin, TX 78717