Ruben John Mendoza, age 65, of Kyle, passed away Friday, January 11, 2013. Ruben was born on August 20, 1947 to Ruben and Lola Mendoza and grew up in Pacoima, California, the oldest of eight children.
Immediately after graduating from San Fernando High School in 1966, Ruben began working at Lockheed in Burbank, California, as a Production Control Supervisor. On September 19, 1966, when he was 19 years old, Ruben enlisted in the Army. He proudly served in the Overseas Service European Command in Germany as a Sergeant from 1967 to 1969. During his time in the Army, Ruben enjoyed playing on the Army baseball team.
When he was discharged from the Army, Ruben returned to Lockheed where he proudly worked as a dedicated employee for the next 30 years. After retiring from Lockheed, he worked at various companies such as Sears, the United States Post Office as a contract provider, and was also co-owner of The Links in La Vernia Golf Course.
His grandchildren loved watching movies with their grandpa and looked forward to learning to play golf just like grandpa. Ruben loved to golf with his wife, his nephews, and his friends. For several years, he played in tournaments with his brother, Steve, and boasted a single digit handicap. As a very friendly and caring person, everyone loved him just as much as he loved everyone. He would always go out of his way to help others and befriend all who crossed his path, just like his father. Ruben volunteered as a Big Brother in Austin and also with the Texas Special Olympics in San Marcos.
Ruben joined his father, Ruben Mendoza, and other family members and friends in Heaven on January 11, 2013. He is survived by his mother, Lola Mendoza, his wife, Dee, daughter, Yvette, son Ruben, Jr. (Erin), grandsons, Quashawn and Angel, brothers, Rod (Olivia), Steve (Karen), Randy (Vibiana), sisters, Shirley Perea, Adrienne Moreno (Tony), Georgia Smith (Dan), Norma Herrera (Greg), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends too many to name.
Ruben will be missed, but his legacy lives in all of us. Memorial services were held Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Kyle United Methodist Church.
