Ruben Reyna Sr.

Ruben Reyna, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at Valley Baptist Hospital, surrounded by his loving family at 85 years old. Ruben was born on October 26, 1939, in Weslaco, Texas, to Octaviano and Dolores Reyna. He lived a full and meaningful life, and his legacy of love, hard work and devotion will forever be cherished by his family and those who knew him.

Ruben attended school in Weslaco, and worked at his parents Mexican food restaurant, where he coincidentally met his sweetheart, Juanita Alvarado, as she walked home from school. Ruben and Juanita were married on October 9, 1961, beginning their lives in Muleshoe, Texas, returning to Weslaco, Texas in 1964. In 1967, Ruben and Juanita Reyna founded Ruben’s Body Shop, originally established at 711 North Texas Boulevard in Weslaco, Texas. Ruben was the entire operation and fondly remembered when painting cars only cost $35. He remained at this location for ten years until Ruben’s Body Shop moved to 505 South Bridge, where it has operated for 58 years.

Ruben had the distinct pleasure of grooming his eldest son, Ruben Reyna, Jr., to work in the business, where he contributed to its success from 1979 to 1989. Ruben, Jr. took his experience and skills learned from his dad and started his own business operation, giving rise to RNR Towing. Ruben, Jr. served with his dad, providing all of Ruben’s Body Shop’s wrecker services, until his passing on May 18, 2019.

Since 1995, Ruben trained and mentored his youngest son, Rodney Reyna, to be the business’ next generation to continue to serve the community with auto body expertise. Today, Rodney has further grown the business and continues to manage the logistical, marketing, and business relations for Ruben’s Body Shop.

At 85 years young, Ruben never missed a day of work, as he continued his daily routine of maintaining client relations and day-to-day operations of the business. You would often see Ruben at the shop helping lifelong and new customers alike with repair recommendations and even offering and enjoying a cup of coffee with them to start their day. His devotion to his company and customers was the heart of the shop. In 2019, Ruben’s Body Shop was voted the “2019 Readers’ Choice Award Best of the Best Winner for Auto Body Shop," and was featured in the Mid-Valley Town Crier.

Ruben had an enthusiasm for collecting classic and antique cars that created a common bond with his sons. It wasn’t uncommon for them to display their collection and work at special family events to be admired by all.

He had an amazing talent for playing the accordion. The highlight of any celebration was when Ruben and his sons serenaded guests of honor. This was yet another common interest that he shared with his sons and a lovely tradition that will be missed by all. Another one of Ruben’s favorite pastimes was traveling to casinos to play the slot machines and deal his hand at scratch-offs and lottery tickets.

Ruben loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and celebrating their accolades from graduations to special life accomplishments.

Ruben was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, Texas. He and Juanita served their church in their younger years as ushers, and he impressed upon his children the importance of being faithful, reverent and generous.

Ruben's passion for his work was matched only by his commitment to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Octaviano and Dolores Reyna; his siblings, Rene Reyna, Richard Reyna, and Rosario Vela; and his son, Ruben Reyna, Jr. (Olga). He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita Reyna, and his children: Thelma (Raul) Martinez of Buda, TX; Patricia (Carlos) Tamez of Weslaco, TX; and Rodney Reyna of Weslaco, TX. Ruben is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Valerie Reyna Villarreal (Efrain) of San Antonio, TX; Veronica Martinez Jara (David) of Fulshear, TX; Jessica Martinez Trahan (Alex) of Lago Vista, TX; Clarissa Martinez Messinger (Nathan) of Bryan, TX; Ruby Reyna of Weslaco, TX; Celeste Tamez of San Antonio, TX; Aaron Tamez of College Station, TX; and Nicolas Reyna of Weslaco, TX. His great-grandchildren, Ryne and Edward Villarreal, and Austin Trahan, were also a source of immense joy to him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the funeral home, with a Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, TX. Ruben will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, TX.

Pallbearers helping lay Ruben to rest will be, Aaron Tamez, Ramiro Vela, Efraim Villarreal, David Jara, Alex Trahan, Nathan Messinger, and Michael Hernandez. Serving as Honorary Pallbearer will be Nicolas Reyna.

Ruben Reyna’s life was a testament to love, faith, and family. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. May he rest in peace.