Ruben Gonzales

As we reflect on the life of Ruben Gonzales, we are reminded that the deeds we do for ourselves may fade away, but the impact we have on others creates a lasting legacy. Together with his beloved children, family, and friends, let us celebrate Ruben's enduring legacy of love, support, quiet dedication, humor, and faith—qualities that profoundly shaped the lives of all who knew him.

On June 21, 2025, at the remarkable age of 90, Ruben completed his last race here on Earth and he has embarked on his path to everlasting peace.

Ruben was a proud McHi Bulldog, a distinguished member of the National Honor Society, and was recognized as "Most Handsome" during his senior year. He had a remarkable talent for sports, excelling in track by competing in the 100-yard dash, 440-yard relay, long jump, and low hurdles. Notably, he placed in the hurdles three times at the State level and, during his senior year, was one of three runners who broke the national record in the 180-yard low hurdles with an impressive time of 18.8 seconds, earning the title of the fastest hurdler in Texas.

In addition to his track achievements, Ruben was a running back on the McHi football team, contributing significantly to the team's journey to the State semi-finals in 1952. He scored 10 touchdowns and averaged seven yards per carry, which earned him a scholarship to Texas Christian University, where he lettered for one year. In 2017, his outstanding athletic accomplishments were further honored by his induction into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1958, before completing his degree, Ruben was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served both in New Mexico and New Jersey. He returned to TCU in the summer of 1960 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Shortly thereafter, he earned his Master’s in Education with Counseling Supervision and Diagnostician Certifications from Pan American University. A lifelong learner, Ruben's love for education was instilled in him by his parents, who as migrants, ensured that he and his siblings returned to school before each new academic year, preventing them from falling behind. Throughout his 35-year career as an educator, he served as a teacher, counselor, diagnostician, and Director of Special Education across Hidalgo ISD, Valley View ISD, Sharyland ISD, and Mission CISD.

We will always cherish the memory of Ruben, who will be fondly remembered for his humility, quiet reserve, remarkable work ethic, quick wit, and the deep love he held for his wife and family.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Englantina “Tina” Gonzales, as well as his parents, Roque and Anita Munoz Gonzales, and his cherished siblings: brothers Robert, Roque Jr., Richard, and Roy, and sisters Helen Trevino and America Fanick.

What we leave behind is not merely inscribed on stone monuments but is beautifully woven into the lives of those we touch. Ruben is survived by his five loving children: Sandra Sue Cantu, Litsa Lorraine “Lori” Galvan (Samuel), Eric Christopher Gonzales, Carla Melissa Rodriguez (Omar), and Belinda Adele Lizcano (Robert). He was also blessed to be a part of the lives of his five grandchildren: Robert Andrew Lizcano (Marlene), Lauren Elise Galvan, Megan Alyssa Gonzalez (Antonio), Dante Alexander Rodriguez, Derek Aidan Rodriguez, as well as his great-grandchild, Micah Lizcano. He also leaves behind his loving sisters: Rosalinda (Jack) Oneto from Campbell, California; Gloria DeLeon (+Joe) from Harlingen, Texas; Eva Lozano (+Fernando) from Frisco, Texas; Alicia Cole (James) from San Antonio, Texas; Ana Maria Zamora (+Hector) from Harlingen, Texas; and his brother Ramiro Gonzales (+Beryl) from Del Rio, Texas. Ruben is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, loving them as if they were his own children.

Dad, thank you for being our unwavering source of guidance, our inspiring light, and our “Leader of the Band.” Although you may no longer be with us in body, your spirit and legacy will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 29 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m.  at Legacy Chapels, 4610 S. Jackson Rd. in Edinburg. Holy Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission at 11 a.m..

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.