Ruben Villarreal Jr., age 59, of Brownwood passed from this life on August 16, 2025 with his family by his side. A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 20 from 6 to 8 PM at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 21 at 10 AM in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel in Early with interment to follow at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood.

Ruben was born September 14, 1965 in Brownwood, to Ruben Villarreal Sr and Gloria Villarreal. He stayed in Brownwood all his life and it is where he met Melinda. Ruben and Melinda were married January 30, 2014.

Ruben loved his family and frequently had family gatherings at his house. He enjoyed having people over to watching the Dallas Cowboys while he barbequed for everyone. He loved to compete in cooking competitions and won many trophies at different cook-offs. In his younger years, Ruben loved to ride bulls and horses. He was good with his hands and enjoyed painting and building a variety of things. Ruben played adult co-ed softball for a few years and liked being active. More than anything, Ruben loved visiting with his family and all of his cousins that lived out of town and having them over every chance they got.

Ruben is survived by his wife, Melinda Villarreal; daughter, Vanessa Garcia and husband Alvaro; son, Ruben Villarreal III and his wife Chelsea; his mother, Gloria Villarreal; his brother, Javier Villarreal and wife Elvira; his sister, Esmeralda Mendoza and husband Steve; his stepdaughters, Bethany Ketchum, Krystal McCoy and Robin McCoy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ruben Villarreal Sr.; aunts, Cecilia Talamantez, Maria DeHoyos and Lazara Vargas.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Villarreal family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com