In Loving Memory of Ruben M. Contreras
June 10, 1953 – June 18, 2025

Ruben M. Contreras, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Laredo, Texas, on June 18, 2025.

Born on June 10, 1953, in Laredo to Maria Altagracia Contreras, Ruben was a proud lifelong resident of the community he loved and served. He was raised in El Cuatro, a neighborhood that shaped him and where he made lifelong friendships that endured until the very end of his life. The bonds he built there remained a cherished part of his story, and his childhood friends became like family.

Ruben graduated from Martin High School in 1971, where he was a proud Tiger and played high school football. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

A lifelong learner, he earned an Associate of Arts degree from Laredo Junior College in 1976 and went on to complete his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Laredo State University in 1979.

Ruben led a remarkable life defined by service, hard work, and a wide range of interests and talents. He held many roles over the years — from refinery plant worker to high school teacher, from CPR instructor to a respected federal employee. His federal service spanned several agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Customs, and ultimately the Department of Homeland Security with the U.S. Border Patrol. At Border Patrol, he served as Union Steward and held the distinction of Supervisor, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

He retired from the Laredo South Station of the U.S. Border Patrol in 2005, a milestone celebrated with a lively retirement party at the American Legion surrounded by friends and family. Retirement didn’t slow him down; Ruben continued to serve as an instructor at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy and pursued diverse ventures including real estate, private investigation, import/export, process serving, and even co-ownership of a bar.

Ruben was a man of deep generosity and unwavering loyalty. He was a frequent donor to numerous charities and was always eager to support causes that mattered to him. He enjoyed biking, walking, and listening to oldies music. He was a die-hard fan of the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs, and he found joy in simple pleasures — tending to his rose bushes, watering his lawn, and decorating his beloved home on Center Road with his favorite Christmas icicle lights.

He had a great love for holidays, often dressing up or handing out candy to neighborhood children, and was always ready to attend a gathering with friends and family. A regular at local restaurants like Danny’s on Mines Road, he was fondly known and warmly welcomed wherever he went.

Above all, Ruben was a devoted family man — a loving son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had many close friends whom he considered family, including the lifelong friends from El Cuatro who remained by his side throughout the years.

He proudly served his country and community not only as a Marine but also as Honor Guard Commander of American Legion Post 59, an honor for which he was recognized on November 10, 2020. His dedication to service, both in uniform and in daily life, left a lasting legacy.

Ruben lived a full and humble life rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter. He touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Mr. Contreras is preceded in death by his daughter, Amanda Vanessa Contreras; mother, Maria Altagracia Contreras; brothers, Julio Contreras, Jesus Contreras Jr., and David Contreras; uncles, Ladislao Dominguez, Jesus Sanchez and Miguel Dominguez.

He is survived by his children, Melissa (Jose) Fuentes, Iris M. Contreras and Angel Gallegos; grandchildren, Jose “Joey” Fuentes, Jr., Joshua (Denise) Fuentes and Jenna Fuentes; mother of his children, Irma Zavala-Contreras; great granddaughter, Jocelyn Fuentes; siblings, Maria De Jesus Saloman, Guadalupe Contreras, Sylvia Pedraza and Josefina (Lydia) Contreras-Partida; as well as other family members that will greatly miss him.

The Contreras family will be receiving guests on Monday, June 23,  2025, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm.  The chapel will reopen at 8:00 am on  Tuesday, June 24, 2025 to depart at 9:30 am for a Funeral Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church at 10:00 am. Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard and American Legion Post 59.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com

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