Ruben Castaño Gutierrez Jr. age 72, entered into rest on Saturday April 12, 2025 in Del Rio, Texas, with his loving wife Carmen by his side. Born on January 24, 1953, Ruben dedicated his life to service, both in the military and in his community.

Ruben proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from 1973- 1977 Vietnam Veteran, achieving the rank of Sergeant, followed with service in the United States Marines Reserve and the Texas Army National Guard reserves. His military career took him to various parts of the world, Guatemala, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Saigon, Panama City, Puerto Rico and Camp Pendleton, San Diego, Camp Lejeune, North Caroline, Marine Security Guard in Arlington, VA and Washington D.C.

Ruben earned numerous commendations including Rifle Marksman Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and various Letters and Certificates of Appreciation from those he served and various Presidents. He was passionate and proud of his service.

Following his distinguished military service, Ruben continued to serve his country as Supervisory Detention Enforcement Officer for the United States Border Patrol, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Del Rio Sector and later retiring from Department of Homeland Security U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as Supervisory Immigration Enforcement Agent.

Ruben proudly served his community as Val Verde County Juvenile Detention Officer and various organizations such as 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, proud San Felipe Exes Class 71-72 member, Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and International Good Neighbor Council. Although at times, Ruben's health interfered with being fully active, he remained an avid supporter of community projects and events.

Ruben is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Carmen Botello Gutierrez, his children Ruben James (Danielle) Gutierrez, Carmen Christina (Juan) Lara, his granddaughter Sofia Lara, his adoptive sister Natividad "Nati" (Pepe) Garcia of San Angelo, the Botello Sisters – Abbie Norton, Terry Gonzalez, Rosie Botello and families, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved Patty's Breakfast Group, Whataburger and "Vaquita" family and friends, his Del Rio Marines Comrades and his Knights of Columbus brothers. Ruben is also survived by his godchildren Mack Ortiz (Rebecca), Becky Talamantez Guerra (Rick), Timothy Kudzia, Greg Arrambide, Robert & Lisa Dinoir and Carlos Charlie Cardenas.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents Ruben E. Gutierrez and Maria del Refugio Rosario (Cuquita) Castaño who lost their lives in the flood of 1954. Ruben was adopted and raise by his maternal grandparents also deceased, Andres and Amelia Diaz Castaño, Brother Andres Castaño, and Sister Dolores Castaño Peña.

Although adopted and raised by his maternal grandparents, Ruben was blessed to always have a close relationship to his paternal grandparents Alfredo and Alberta Gutierrez, his aunt Sofia Gutierrez Cardenas, Cecilio Gutierrez, Antonio Gutierrez and Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez Jr, all now deceased. Ruben developed his love for public service and politics from the late Dr. Gutierrez who served as Mayor of Del Rio for 20 consecutive years. Later Ruben would encourage his wife Carmen to run for public office and helped her get elected. Ruben held a very special place in his heart for all his cousins, both on the Diaz, Castaπo and Gutierrez families who treated him like a brother.

Gentlemen with the honor of serving as pallbearers are Miguel Gutierrez, Dr. Jaime J. Gutierrez, Adam Gonzalez, Arturo Castro, Celso Barrientos, and Rick Villarreal.

Visitation will be held on Friday April 25, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm; with a brief program at 5:30 p.m. with Military Honors by American Legion Post 595 Honor Guard. Benediction by USBP Chaplain Tyler Hoffman. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Honor Guard by Knights of Columbus San Felipe Council 2687, Randy Cote 1965 Assembly will be at 6:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 503 Garza St. Father Lambert Ulinzwenimanal St. Francis of Assisi Laughlin AFB officiating. Ruben was passionate about having his final rites at the Church of his legacy. His maternal great Grandfather Guadalupe S. Diaz, first mortician in Del Rio, donated the land for the Church to be built.

Internment and Military Honors by United States Marines Corp will be rendered at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Monday April 27, 2025 at Shelter 4, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 ,USBP Retired Deacon Jim Wainer officiant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to FOB Del Rio, 501C , Del Rio Veterans Tiny Homes Project for homeless Veterans. 760-822-6564.

Ruben had deep faith and love of God, our Savior Jesus and the Blessed Mother. He was Carmen's number one supporter and always by her side. His legacy of service, love and dedication will forever be cherished by his family and friends. Semper Fi! Always Faithful!