Ruben Mendez Jr

Ruben "Scooby" Mendez

October 21, 1958 – September 28, 2025

Ruben Mendez of Van Horn, Texas, passed away on the morning of September 28, 2025, at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. He was 66 years old.

Born October 21, 1958, in Fabens, Texas, Ruben was a lifelong resident of Van Horn, Texas, with a brief period in Odessa, Texas. He attended Van Horn High School and was raised by his grandparents, who taught him the values of hard work and kindness that would define his life.

Ruben was a good provider for his family and began working at the local hardware store in Van Horn at a young age and later at Cashway in Odessa. He returned to Van Horn where he dedicated most of his career to Culberson County Hospital as a maintenance worker, taking great pride in serving the facility and his community. Determined to get ahead and provide better for his family, he earned his HVAC certification at Western Tech Institute and started his own side business. Before retiring, he also worked for the Texas Department of Transportation and Culberson County.

Known to friends and family as "Scooby," Ruben was everybody's friend—easy to get along with, a natural jokester, always positive, and someone who genuinely loved helping others. In his younger years, he was an avid athlete who ran local marathons, often placing first or second. His love of sports extended beyond his own pursuits, as he generously shared his time coaching flag football and little league baseball, mentoring young athletes in his community. A lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan—probably the only one in Texas—Ruben faithfully watched every game and remained loyal to his team through every season. He also loved the outdoors and spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and camping.

Ruben had a passion for trucks, and his proudest purchase was a red 1978 Chevrolet C-K Sidestep complete with a red devil wielding a pitchfork painted on the hood. He enjoyed reading the National Enquirer and had a well-known sweet tooth for candy.

Above all, Ruben was a devoted family man. He was a great dad and loving grandpa who showed his sons everything he knew, leading by example. His children and grandchildren were the most important thing in his life, and his love for them was evident to everyone who knew him.

Ruben is survived by his wife, Raquel Mendez; his son Ruben Mendez, Jr. and wife Betty Arroyo Mendez of Odessa, Texas; his son Ronnie Mendez of Weatherford, Texas; his cherished grandchildren Nataly Faith Mendez of Midland, Texas, Marissa Marie Mendez, Destini Hope Mendez and Madelyn Alejandra Mendez of Odessa, Texas, and Tadeo Mendez of Presidio, Texas; his mother Petra Mendez of Van Horn, Texas; and his siblings Salvador "Candy" Lerma of El Paso, Texas, and Alicia Lopez and Joanne Alvarado, both of Van Horn, Texas; his in-laws Pedro and Antonia Torres, who loved Ruben like a son.

He was preceded in death by his loving grandparents Jose and Maria Mendez, and his beloved brother Alberto "Beto" Mendez.

Ruben's legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication to family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His positive spirit and generous heart touched countless lives, and his memory will continue to bring smiles to those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, beginning with a Viewing from 10am to 12pm at the Heritage Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary from 1pm to 2pm and a Mass from 2pm to 3pm at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, then the burial at the Van Horn Cemetery. All services will be held in Van Horn, Texas.