Ruben Balderaz Reyes

Ruben Balderaz Reyes, 74, gently passed away into God’s hands on Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Fort Worth. He was a beloved partner, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 2023 in Biggers Funeral Chapel with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary to Commence at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 20, 2023, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

Interment: 1:00 p.m. will follow at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Ruben was born September 1, 1948, in Fort Worth to Lucia and Marcelo Reyes. He grew up on the east side of Fort Worth, where he met lifelong friends. He and his friends loved playing baseball at Pony League Park and watching semi-pro baseball games at LaGrave Field through the knotholes in the fence, thus becoming known as the “Knot-Hole Gang.”

After attending Trimble Tech High School, Ruben was drafted into the Army in 1969 and was stationed in Germany as a radio operator until he was honorably discharged in 1972. As a young man, Ruben worked with older brothers in the autobody repair business. This foundation led to eventually opening his own autobody repair and paint shop in Lake Worth, Texas. After a long, successful career, he ultimately retired in 2010.

Ruben developed a love for the guitar at a young age and became a talented guitarist. As a teenager and beyond, he played with several bands in and around the Fort Worth area. Ruben lived a full life. He loved his family and friends deeply. He had humor, with an easy laugh and a quick smile. But also, was serious about the things that were important, such as working hard and helping others in need.

Ruben is survived by his love and sweetheart of 22 years Kathy (Donoho); daughter, Stacy Johnston of Weatherford, Texas; grandson, Kyle Johnston of Lake Worth, Texas; granddaughter, Shelby Veal and husband Dalton of Weatherford, Texas; great-grandchildren, Jayton and Aubrey Veal of Weatherford, Texas; sister, Leonora Garza of Fort Worth; sister, Isabel Babb and husband Don of Fort Worth; sister, Jane Trautner and husband Don of Alexandria, Virginia; uncle, Estanilado Reyes of Fort Worth, Texas; father-in-law, Doug Donoho of Munday, Texas; brother-in-law, Jay Donoho and wife, Amy of Argyle, Texas; brother-in-law, Zane Donoho and wife, Kristi of Holliday, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas “Tommy” Faulkenberry of Mansfield, Texas; brothers, Manuel Martinez, Frank Martinez, Marcelino Martinez, and Guadalupe “Lupe” Reyes all of Fort Worth; and sisters, Gloria Garcia, Rosa “Beckie” Gomez, and Josephine “Josie” Martinez all of Fort Worth. He was also preceded by lifelong friends and compadres Ignacio Bosquez, Danny Bartula, Johnny Lopez, and Jerry Long.