Ruben M. Saenz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruben M. Saenz, 80, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, who went to be with our Lord on June 2, 2024. Ruben proudly served his country in the US Army, as a photographer, from 1961-1964. He led a dedicated career at Celanese in Bishop, TX where he retired after 31 years. 

As hard as he worked, he played harder. He was an avid golfer—one who any golf enthusiast in the community would recognize. When he wasn’t at the golf course, he enjoyed barbecuing, trying his luck with lottery tickets, and avidly supporting the Dallas Cowboys. Although he loved his Cowboys, his favorite sports to watch were whatever sport his grandsons happened to be playing at the time. All five of his grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. 

Born July 2, 1943, in Victoria, TX, Ruben lived a life full of joy and love in the company of his family and friends. Ruben is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Maria de Jesus Saenz, his son, Ruben M. Saenz Jr., his brothers, Rosalio Saenz and Raymond Saenz. 

Among those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou, his daughters, Terri (Frank) Hunt and Mimi (R.C) Reyes, his five grandchildren, Dr. Devery Hunt, Jensen Hunt, Garon Hunt, Alyssa Reyes, and Nicholas Reyes—as well as his brothers, Rene Saenz and Roque Saenz, his sisters, Rachel Rivas and Rosalinda Garcia, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. While they will forever mourn the loss of their husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, they will always hold dear and find comfort in his beautiful smile, as well as his legacy of laughter and living life to the fullest. 

Pallbearers will be Garon Hunt, Nicholas Reyes, Mario Garcia, Ray Saenz, Rick Saenz, and Christian Stine. Honorary pallbearers are Rosalio Saenz, Jr., Randy Rivas, Trey Saenz, Chris Saenz, Rocky Saenz, Jr., Bobby Saenz, Jesus Rodriguez, Abel Zapata, and Joseph Rosales. 

The family will receive condolences beginning at 5pm on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary in Kingsville TX with a rosary recited at 7pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11am at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. A burial will take place at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi TX, on Monday June 10, 2024, at 11am.