Ruben Dwayne Haywood

Ruben Dwayne Haywood was born on October 26, 1957, Ruben's journey on this earth was completed on April 25, 2025. Ruben was the third child born to Winnie (Kanada) Haywood and Ruben Haywood. Ruben expressed a belief in Christ and was baptized at Macedonia First Baptist Church of Bastrop, Texas, at a young age.

When Ruben started school, segregation was still in effect, and Ruben attended Emile School for some of his elementary school years. After the Bastrop School District became integrated, Ruben attended Bastrop Primary Elementary and Bastrop High School.

Ruben was an intelligent and curious child. Ruben's father taught him his ABCs, how to hunt, fish, and play baseball. Ruben was a natural athlete, and, like his brothers, he was an excellent baseball player. Ruben was elected President of his freshman class, and he played on the varsity baseball team. Because of his abilities, Ruben was able to play multiple positions, from catcher to first baseman to outfielder. Ruben also loved playing football. As an adult, Ruben could make you laugh with stories from his life experiences but also could talk knowledgeably about local and world events. Ruben was employed mostly as a carpenter. In his early sixties, Ruben taught himself how to repair small engines - one person's broken mower was a way of earning some extra money.

Ruben was the father of five wonderful children: Cory, Devene, Bronson, Dustin, and Tristan.

Like most of us, Ruben had some regrets at the end of his life. Ruben expressed that the biggest one was missed chances with his children and other family members. Ruben wanted all of them - but especially his children - to know that he loved them.

Over the years, whenever Ruben lived in Smithville, he enjoyed the barbeques that Ivis and Michael would put together. They were there for him as he weathered his health problems. People who knew him also knew he called Rick Haynie a friend.

Ruben is survived by his children: Cory Haywood of Bastrop, Texas, Devene Haywood-Wilson (Gregory) of Hutto, Texas, Bronson Haywood (Gabriella) of Kyle, Texas, Dustin Haywood (Natalia) of Bastrop, Texas, Tristan Blakeley (Montana); siblings: Ronnie Haywood (Marilyn), Larry Haywood (Lettie), Wanda Haywood (Larry), Linda Moore (Curtis) of Bastrop, Texas, !vis Lindley, Michael Haywood (Carolina) of Smithville, Texas, ShaRon Criss (Alonzo) of Arlington, Texas, LaKendra Wright of Austin, Texas; ten grandchildren: Cory Haywood, Jr., Caylie Haywood, De'Vion Wilson, Keyshawn Blakeley-Bryant, Serenity Blakeley-Stewart, Bryson Haywood, Blakeley Haywood, Amari Haywood, Jaianna Haywood, Michael Gomes; aunts: Lillie Calton (Edwin) of San Antonio, Texas, Bobbie Kellough, Ella Wilson of Corpus Christi, Texas; great aunt: Faye Goodman of Bastrop, Texas; uncle: L. ]. Thomas of Austin, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, Winnie and Ruben Haywood, and a brother, Sully Haywood.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, May 24th, at 11:00 AM, at Elgin Funeral Home to remember and reflect on Ruben's life, with Reverend James Haywood presiding.