Ruben Rangel Perez

Mr. Ruben Rangel Perez, 94, of Cedar Park, passed away Monday, January 29, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents Blas and Sarah Perez, his wife of 59 years, Lucille Corpus Perez, his son Ruben Corpus Perez, Jr., and his granddaughter Alicia Victoria Perez. He is survived by his children Rachel Vesper, Aurora Perez, Mary Speed, Robert Perez, Anna Coulter, Bernadette Walsh, Anthony G. Perez and their families and by his brother Ernest Perez and sister Carmen Gomez.

Mr. Perez is recognized as one of the founding fathers of Austin's Tejano music scene. A talented saxophonist and guitarist, he led a popular orquesta that also featured his brother on saxophone with his sister and wife providing vocals. He collaborated and played with many other Tejano stars, including Manuel "Cowboy" Donley, Alfonso and Ruben Ramos. The band frequently played at the iconic Skyline Club and even had their own radio show, "La Hora Encantadora." His legacy, along with those of his brother and his cousins Alfonso and Ruben Ramos, is memorialized in sculpture on the plaza of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center.

During World War II, Mr. Perez served his country in both the European and Asian theaters, delivering supplies to fellow soldiers. At home in Austin, he earned a reputation as one of the best and most sought-after woodworkers, developing a faithful and prestigious clientele. Those who knew him will remember his talent, his hard work, his wit, and his love for his family.

Viewing and recitation of the rosary will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar, Friday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Saturday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery. Reception will follow from 3:00-6:00 PM at St. Vincent de Paul, 9500 Neenah Ave. Austin, Texas 78717.

Information will remain available at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.