Ruben Menchaca

Ruben Menchaca, 65, passed away on January 3, 2024, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Born on January 27, 1958, at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, Ruben's journey through life was marked by his enduring strength, love for family, and passion for the outdoors.

Ruben is lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Leah Reneé Menchaca; his mother, Sylvia Meza Menchaca; his children, Melissa Aasgaard (Jordan), Michael Goldsmith (Christy), and Joshua Goldsmith (Dakota); grandchildren Zachary, Hannah, Ethan, Gabe, Hailey, Abigail, Reagan, and Nolan; and great-grandchildren Glenn and Emma. He was preceded in death by his father, Dario Menchaca, and is survived by his sisters, Diana Martinez (Miquel), Irene Menchaca (Michael), Elsa C. MacDougall, Irma A. Gonzalez (Rey); and several nieces and nephews.

A proud Mary Carroll High School graduate, Ruben moved to Houston after college. His 35-year career in the oilfield industry as a valve and wellhead equipment designer showcased his brilliant mechanical mind and passion for engineering. He also found joy in designing and building security locks in his garage with his friend Lynn Eastham.

Ruben's love for the outdoors was immense. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed bass fishing in his early years with his friends Jack and Randy, and later, under the influence of his wife Leah, he embraced saltwater fishing, spending many days on their boat at Port Bolivar. He cherished traveling in their motorhome, exploring new places, and camping at Coleto Creek each Easter with the entire family.

A master cook, Ruben's culinary skills were legendary. His barbecues and crawfish boils were not just meals; they were gatherings that brought friends and family together, filled with laughter, stories, and his signature VERY SPICY crawfish.

Leah expresses deep gratitude to Ruben's doctors, Dr. Brandon Hsu and the Memorial Hermann Katy Rehab team, for their compassionate care. Their efforts allowed Ruben to regain mobility and enjoy the best quality of life possible. "I can't" was never in his vocabulary. He was a man who always sought the 'Silver Lining,' a phrase proudly displayed on his prized Jeep.

Ruben's journey ended peacefully with his beloved Leah by his side. His legacy of strength, positivity, and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures will continue to inspire all who knew him. Ruben Menchaca will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ruben's memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society. These organizations reflect Ruben's courageous battle with cancer and his hope for a future where others may overcome this challenge. Your contributions will honor his legacy and help continue the fight against cancer.

A public visitation for Ruben will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415 with a holy rosary at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Monday, January 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 7522 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, Texas. An entombment will follow at 11:15 AM at Memory Gardens Mausoleum.