Ruben Guajardo Sr.'s Obituary
Ruben Guajardo Sr., a cherished and respected member of the Weslaco community, passed away peacefully at his home on August 5, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on January 1, 1939, in Weslaco, Texas, Ruben was a man of deep faith, unwavering perseverance, and boundless love-an example to all who knew him.Ruben's early years were shaped by hard work in the agricultural fields, laboring from sunup to sundown. Later, he discovered a passion for craftsmanship and launched his own business as a contractor painter. Known throughout the Rio Grande Valley as "El Pintor," Ruben took immense pride in his work, leaving his mark on several prominent buildings, including the original Weslaco City Hall, Bougainvillea, and Villa de Cortez. His dedication to excellence and attention to detail made him a trusted and beloved professional.Beyond his work, Ruben was known for his generosity, kindness, and integrity. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. A lifelong member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Ruben's faith was central to his life. He attended mass faithfully every Saturday since birth and instilled his spiritual values in those closest to him.On May 31, 1968, Ruben married the love of his life, Oralia Tijerina, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Weslaco. Their marriage was filled with love and devotion, though tragically cut short when Oralia passed away from breast cancer in 1979. Ruben faced the challenge of raising their children as a single father with strength, grace, and an unshakeable commitment to his family. Years later, he would face another heartbreaking loss with the passing of his eldest son, Ruben Jr., who left behind a young family. Through it all, Ruben's faith never faltered.Ruben's greatest joy came from spending time with his grandsons, Daniel and David, who were the pride of his life. Whether cheering them on in Pony League baseball, flag football, or supporting them under the Friday night lights as part of the Weslaco High School Marching Band, Ruben was their biggest fan. These moments brought him great peace and happiness, and they remain cherished memories for his daughter, Amy, a reminder of her father's steadfast presence and unconditional love.In his free time, Ruben found joy in the simple pleasures of life. A loyal fan of the San Francisco Giants and Dallas Cowboys, he loved relaxing on the weekends with a cold Bud Light while watching a game. He enjoyed gardening, working in the yard, and taking daily two-mile walks, which often turned into warm conversations with neighbors and friends. A believer in natural wellness, Ruben preferred herbal teas like hibiscus, green tea with turmeric, and green tea with ginger over conventional medicine. His love for good food-especially his mother's arroz con carne, fideo with beans, carne guisada, and tortillas-was only rivaled by his fondness for KFC fried chicken.Ruben collected western boots, enjoyed listening to Spanish and country music, and his beloved Ford truck, which proudly sported a Texas A&M Grandpa sticker.He was preceded in death by his wife, Oralia Tijerina Guajardo; his son, Ruben Guajardo Jr.; his parents, Adelaido Guajardo and Natalia (Alaniz) Guajardo; his siblings, Roberto Guajardo, Adelaido Guajardo Jr., and Adela Guajardo Rodriguez; and his brothers-in-law, Abraham Lozano, Herman Lopez, and his sister-in-law, Olga Cavazos.He is survived by his loving daughter, Amy Guajardo; grandsons, Daniel and David Guajardo; daughter-in-law, Celinda Guajardo; sisters and brothers-in-law, Teresita Lozano, Guadalupe Lopez, Gerardo Tijerina (Melba), Reinaldo Cavazos; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.As we celebrate Ruben's life, we remember a man who left a lasting impact-not only through the brushstrokes of his painting but also through the kindness in his heart, the strength of his faith, and the love he poured into his family.Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM, at McCaleb Funeral Home, 900 W 4th St, Weslaco, TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 109 S Illinois Ave, Weslaco, TX. Ruben will be laid to rest beside his son at the Weslaco City Cemetery.Serving as pallbearers will be: Daniel Guajardo, David Guajardo, Anthony Ansiso, Herman Lopez Jr., Ricky Joe Lopez, and Reinaldo Cavazos Jr. Honorary pallbearers include: Ivan Perez, Adrian Tijerina, Eloy Lozano, Isaac Acosta, Enrique "Kike" Lozano, and Javier Horta.Ruben Guajardo's legacy of faith, love, and hard work will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
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