Obituary of Ruben Garza

RUBEN CESAR GARZA SR. MCALLEN - Ruben Cesar Garza, Sr., 80, entered into eternal peace on Monday, September 14, 2015. Ruben was born on February 15, 1935 and was a lifelong resident of McAllen. He was an Army Veteran who served as a National Guard in Washington D.C. He was the successful business owner of O'Neall Specialty Company for more than 30 years and was well known for his involvement in local civic and church organizations. Ruben was a current member of Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Order of the Alhambra and Sembradores De Amistad-International Civic Organization. Throughout his lifetime he served in many organizations and was past member, board of director, chairman and/or officer of the National Association of Tobacco Distributors, National Candy Wholesale Association, Texas Association of Tobacco and Candy Distributors, Our Lady of Sorrows Men's Club, McAllen Greeters and Special Education Advisory Committee. Ruben was also a board member of the McAllen International Spring Fiesta for 15 years, Crime Stoppers, Sembradores De Amistad, Palm View Golf Course Advisory Board, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Civitan Club, International Good Neighbor Council and Palm City Lions Club. Ruben received the Outstanding Man of the Year for McAllen in 1984. "El Muñeco" will be remembered by all his buddies for his charisma and sense of humor. He was a hard-working man who left a legacy that will be emulated by those who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his son, Ruben C. Garza, Jr. Ruben is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia R. Garza; his children, Nydia Garza Califa (Joe), Nilda Garza Barrera (Fred) and Humberto Garza (Monica); his ten grandchildren, Joe A. (Elizabeth), Christine, Antony (Mariam), Caleb, Abram, Erik (Clarissa), Brianda, Ariana, Ruben III and Stephen. Vistation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, today, September 16, 2015, at Legacy Chapels in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 17, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.