BUSTAMANTE, TX---Ruben V. Bustamante, a life-long resident of Zapata, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on June 23, 2019, at the age of 78.

Ruben is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Carleene Bustamante; his children Elma Forman, Ruben (Sonya) Bustamante, Bertha Bustamante, Amador (Veronica) Bustamante, Ruben Bustamante Jr., Idalia Bustamante, Lori (Lance) Tate, Becky Pierce, Luke (Erika) Pierce; his 23 beloved grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruben was born in Bustamante, Texas on October 27, 1940, to Bacilio Bustamante and Martina De Los Santos Bustamante. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958-1964 and was released on honorable discharge as a PFC (E3) after serving a tour in Korea. Ruben was a committed and hardworking man. He spent his career working for H B Zachry for 20 years and for Coastal for 27 years, and after retirement, he worked for Lone Star Lease Co. & Gutierrez Ranches for 17 years.

Ruben was a devoted husband and never met a stranger — he made many forever friends throughout his life and had a smile that could light up a room. He was a kid at heart and never passed up an opportunity to play with his grand-kids or go hunting. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. We know this is only good-bye for now, until we see you again in Heaven.

Visitation hours will be Wednesday, June 26 ^th at the Rose Garden Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 27 ^th , a celebration of his life officiated by Pastor John Tisdale, with procession services to follow at the Bustamante Cemetery in Bustamante, Texas.

Written by Grandaughter Brandi