Ruben M. Santos

Ruben Mojica Santos May 22, 1936 - March 5, 2008 Ruben Mojica Santos of Waco passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2008 at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Sadler officiating. Masonic Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m.Friday, March 7, 2008 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Ruben was born May 22, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas to Reverend John and Julia Santos. He attended Baylor University, and later worked for Baylor as the Director of Student Activities, and also Director of the Bill Daniel Student Center. He worked for Baylor for 36 years, and directed Baylor's All University Sing, and Pig Skin Review. He was the faculty sponsor of Sigma Tau Epsilon, and Kappa Alpha Order. Ruben also served on Waco City Council, and was Mayor of Waco from 1985-1986; he was a member of the Board of Texas Municipal League. After retiring from Baylor in 2002 Ruben worked in Client Relations with Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation. Ruben was an ordained minister, and served his country in the U. S. Marines. Some of the organizations that he was involved in were: Past Master Baylor Lodge No. 1235; Past District Deputy Grand Lecturer of Texas Grand Lodge; Scottish Rite; Demolay Conclave Member; AMD Waco Council 384; York Rite; Executive Director H.O.T. Regional History Fair; Historic Waco Foundation Board Member; Past President, H.O.T. Lions Club; member of Waco Founder Lions Club; Past President Dr. Pepper Museum Board; twice Past President Waco Conference of Christians and Jews; Chairman McLennan County Community Justice Council; Dallas Baptist University Board of Trustees; Avance Board; Brazos Funeral Home Advisory Board; Family Practice Clinic Board; Cameron Park Zoo Board; National and Local Board of Family Counseling and Children Services; Quinn Campus; United Way Board and Board of Directors Community Bank & Trust. Ruben was a member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco and of the Judge Frank Wilson Sunday School Class at Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara McLeod Santos; son, Ruben Christopher Santos and wife, Kellye; daughters, Gigi Barnes and husband, B.L.; Leslie Fulton and husband, Steven; very special grandsons, Cooper and Connor Santos. Also surviving are two brothers, David Santos and wife, Niki and John Santos and wife, Valerie; sisters, Clarisa Chavez; Minerva Gonzales and husband, Paul; Rebecca Sosa and husband, Dr. Jose; Elizabeth Garcia and husband, Jimmy; brother-in-law, L.B. McLeod and wife, Sandy; many nieces, nephews, friends and former Baylor students. Ruben loved his family, Waco and Baylor University. He devoted his life to helping others and was an inspiration and role model for students and those around him to be the best they could be. Ruben was passionate about the value of a good education and motivated many to achieve great things. Even with his many responsibilities he was never too busy to listen and provide direction. He had a zest for life and his cup was always running over. Ruben was a gentleman, a diplomat and faithful servant of the Lord. He will be deeply missed and we consider ourselves honored to have known him. Memorials may be made to the Ruben Santos Scholarship Fund. Mail to: Baylor University, One Baylor Place 97026, Waco, TX 76798. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey