Our loving, kind-hearted Reuben passed away January 14, 2013 at 74 years old, after his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His presence is greatly missed.

Reuben was born in Streeter ND as a young man his family moved to Jamestown ND. He loved this town with his whole heart. He served in the Army, honoring our country. He helped build I-94 and I-90. His crew was the best. He traveled from Jamestown to Minneapolis (he spent years in this beautiful city) to the Seattle area to Covington WA then to Round Rock TX. He worked at Cadman Sand & Gravel Co. in Issaquah WA and belonged to Local 289, of the International Assoc. of Machinists & Aerospace Workers lodge #160 for 30+ years. He helped the machine shops from the Canadian border to the Oregon border. He had strong work and moral ethics. “Reub” was one of their hardest workers. His hobby was woodworking and made plenty of items he gifted to friends and relatives. I am proud and honored to have been his wife. His friends and family range from Canada, WA, CA, FL, ND, MA, and TX.

Reuben is preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Walker, his brother Roger and his grandson Eric C. Smith & brother In-law Kenneth Willie. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Patricia “Patty” of Round Rock TX, her son’s Russell C. Smith his wife Pam & his son Austin Smith of Taylor TX, Richard L. Smith and wife Lydia (parents of Eric Smith) of San Antonio TX , Jacob Guevara his wife Kelly & great grandson Maddox of Dallas, his Brother Harry Veil of Ypsilandi ND, Harrys son Robin of Tuttle ND, his sister Florence Willey of Jamestown ND & her children, sons: Mark Willey & his wife Marina, their children Brianna, Melissa, Kirsten of Jamestown ND, Michael & his son Ian of Salt lake Utah, Myron & his wife Patti, their children Lindsey, Chelsey of Central Texas & Austin of Fargo ND, Emma of Valley City ND, Mitchell his wife Candida “Candi”, their children: Tyler & Dustyn of Fargo ND, daughters: Mary Willie of Jamestown ND, Marlene Partlow & husband Tim, their children: Heather, Dylon (Fargo ND) Kyle,& Abby of Jamestown ND, and beautiful grandchildren. Reuben’s daughter Sunny Eckhardt (Walker) & husband Bernie of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea FL, his son Russell Walker, his wife Caprice & grandson Allen Walker of Pflugerville TX.

Many thanks to: The Cottages at Chandler Creek, Round Rock TX, The Texan Nursing and Rehab, San Marcos TX, and Pflugerville Nursing and Rehab, Pflugerville TX for the compassion & love they gave Reuben and our families. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, please send them to the Alzheimer’s Association located in your city or state. GOD bless all of you.

Published in Austin American-Statesman on January 23, 2013