Reuben Hurtado passed away at home Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the age of 71.
Mass of Christian Burial, to celebrate his life, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waco with The Very Reverend Benjamin Magnaye as celebrant. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 31, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.
Reuben was born November 22, 1951, in Pontiac, Michigan to Julio and Esther Hurtado and he spent his childhood growing up in Waco. His towering 6 feet 1 inch frame earned him the nickname “Bear” among his family and friends. With his kind demeanor and sly humor, he made friends and connections wherever he went endearing himself to many people who truly loved him.
Throughout his life, Reuben embodied the true meaning of service to others, including his friends, family, and the community at the Waco Missions. Reuben was a fixture at the Missions, serving in a caretaker role, ensuring that the grounds and facilities were always in top-notch condition for concerts, quinceañeras, baseball games, and dances. He often volunteered to work the counter for fundraising meals and made quite possibly the hottest hot sauce in town, which he served with breakfast.
Reuben often reached out to family, friends, and neighbors to offer help with home repairs or just a helping hand. He genuinely enjoyed connecting with people, sharing a laugh, and finding ways to alleviate their burdens. His acts of service left a lasting impression on those that knew him.
Bear recently attended a family reunion in his trademark suspenders and favorite shirt, where he was warmly greeted by and shared funny stories with family members. Everyone had an opportunity to celebrate his friendship, love, and humor one final time, while he got the opportunity to joke around with his family, something that brought him great joy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julio and Esther Hurtado; as well as his sister, Rebecca Hurtado.
He is survived by his brother, Richard Hurtado and wife, Janie; his sister, Virginia Martinez and husband, Ray; his brother, Bobby Hurtado; as well as one nephew, four nieces, and several grand-and great-grand nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the Waco Missions at P.O. Box 383, Waco, Texas, 76703.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Reuben Hurtado, please visit our flower store.