ABEL G. RUBIO

ABEL G. RUBIO

VICTORIA - Abel G. Rubio, Author, Historian and Speaker, passed away Monday, December 10, 2012 in Houston, Texas. Abel was born on August 13, 1930 in Goliad, Texas to Estefanita Garcia Rubio and Guillermo Rubio.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Rubio, son, Bobby Rubio, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Rosie Palacios, son, Robin Rubio, his parents and sisters, Sofia, Elena, Teresita, Josephine Flores, Salome Cano, Librada Juarez; Brothers, Rosendo, Ramon, Guadalupe, Guillermo and Daniel.
Abel was orphaned at age 10 when his parents, 3 sisters and 2 brothers died in a car accident in Port Lavaca, Texas. He then lived with his older sisters and brothers in Victoria and Bloomington. He received a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and practiced in Houston, Texas.
He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1947 and volunteered for Combat Service in Korea. Abel was assigned to a mine clearing platoon in the Western Front, First Marine Division. He received the: Korean War Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars, Korean War Presidential Unit Citation, 1953, Letter of Appreciation with Medal Commemorating the 50th year of the Outbreak of the Korean War signed by the President of South Korea, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Defense Service Medal. He retired with over 20 years of active service. After an additional 10 years in the Fleet Marine Corps Reserves; Sergeant Rubio was placed on the retired rolls in 1977.
Abel has been a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association Marine Corps League, Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Texas Catholic Historical Society. He was also a member of the Hispanic Genealogy Society and Vice President of the Rubio Cemetery Association.
He was a direct descendant of some of the more prominent early old time Tejano ranching families who established and settled Refugio and Goliad Counties, the De La Garza, Cabrera and Becerra families. These ancestors explored and settled in the Texas wilderness over 300 years ago. He was a direct descendant of Juan Pedro Cabrera and Maria Rodriguez de Bega, from the Canary Islands, Spain, one of 15 families who helped establish a civil government in San Antonio de Bexar in 1731.
Perhaps some of his greatest contributions to Spanish/Mexican/Tejano History in Texas were some of his lectures, manuscripts and the writing of the book, "Stolen Heritage," a book on his families lost land grant. As Thomas Kreneck, historian and editor said, "He went about his task of writing and researching with the determination of a Marine and with the meticulousness of an Accountant." He searched county records, maps, standard histories and had many oral interviews with elder family members before putting information on paper. "Stolen Heritage" was written in memory of two of his most cherished ancestors: Great-Grandfather, Antonio de la Garza, a cattleman of the 1860's and 1870's, and his beloved wife, Abel's Great-Grandmother, Pomposa Bontan of Refugio County.
Abel loved watching Houston Astros Baseball and rarely missed a game. He also continued to research and write until his death. His humor and teasing will be missed by his family.
Visitation will begin Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at Artero Memorial Chapels in Victoria. Visitation will resume on Thursday, December 13, 2012 from 8:00-9:30 A.M. at Artero Memorial Chapels with a Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with full Military Services to be held under the Auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council, AL, CWV, VFW, DAV, MCL, MOWW, Ex-POW, MOPH, VVA and the KWV.
Pallbearers will be Armando Garza, Ole Nygren, Stephen Garza, Jesse Cano, Manuel Juarez, Jr. and Gilbert Perez.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need, HE lets me rest in fields of green. HE leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. HE gives me new strength. HE guides me in the right paths as HE promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me."
Under the direction of Artero Memorial Chapels, Victoria, 361-575-3212.