Robert Reuben Munoz

Robert Reuben Muñoz was born on March 21, 1926 in the Columbine Mining Camp in Serene Colorado which is near Lafayette Colorado. His younger years were spent growing up in Lafayette with his 4 sisters (Susie, Helen, Angie, Alice) and 3 bothers (Nash, Tony, Charlie). He lost his father, a miner at the Columbine Mine, to pneumonia when he was only 6 years old. With no father, the family struggled thru the Great Depression. During WWII, he joined the Army at the age of 17 and was deployed to fight Hitler in Germany. He lost his leg, the result of being shot while crossing the Rhine River. His name is forever etched in the WWII memorial in Washington DC. For his actions he was awarded the Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, Victory Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, and European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon. After the war, he married his sweetheart Isabel Mares. A dedicated husband and father, they remained married until his passing. He was a hard worker and saver. He purchased a corner piece of property on Main Street in Lafayette which included Lafayette Liquors. When the store burned down, he partnered with his brother-in-law to rebuild the store. He worked there until his retirement at the age of 58. He spent most of his retirement camping and fishing which he enjoyed so much.

His last days were spent at his home surrounded by family members. He is survived by his wife of over 66 years Isabel Muñoz, his sister Alice Gonzales (Jess), his children: Robert Muñoz (Gloria), Mark Muñoz (MaryJo), David Muñoz, Karen Smith (Roger) and Ron Mares. His grandchildren: Jason Muñoz (Paula), Ethan Muñoz, Wayne Muñoz (Chantil), Dave Muñoz, Mark Muñoz, Nicolas Smith and Selina Smith. He also has 3 great grand children.