Ruben Velez, Jr.

Ruben Velez Jr., 65 of Killeen, passed from this life Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Family will receive loved ones and friends from 1-4 pm Wednesday, June 25, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen. Military funeral honors will be rendered by the United States Army at 1:30 pm.

Ruben was born on September 30, 1959, to Ruben Velez Sr. and Sandra Elisa Rodriguez in Brooklyn, New York. Ruben had a deep love for sports, music, and travel - but above all, he cherished his family. He found joy in the simple act of getting behind the wheel and taking to the open road. His adventures took him to places like Italy and Germany, where he had the opportunity to live and explore different cultures and experiences that he treasured deeply.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Ruben held his military service close to his heart and often reflected on that chapter of his life with great pride. He was a man of action and conviction - when he set his mind to something, he made it happen.

Beyond his devotion to his own children, Ruben had a remarkable impact on many young lives. He was actively involved in community organizations such as the Lud-Dale Association and the Police Athletic League (PAL) in Yonkers, New York. Through these programs, he coached and mentored countless children, teaching them football, basketball, and baseball—not just as sports, but as tools for discipline, teamwork, and personal growth. Ruben believed in showing young people that there was more to life than what they saw on the streets.

One of his most memorable accomplishments was leading a team of boys—often overlooked or dismissed by others—to a championship victory. These young athletes, once thought of as underdogs, went on to defeat the long-reigning champions from Father Duffy, breaking their undefeated streak. Ruben's influence wasn’t limited to Yonkers; he carried the same passion and mentorship to Manatí, Puerto Rico, where he continued to inspire and uplift young people.

Ruben is preceded by his mother, Sandra Elisa Rodriguez Hernandez; and brother, Jeffrey Carmana.

Survivors include his father, Ruben Velez Sr.; first wife, Cheryl Velez; second wife, Noreen Ojeda; sons, Joshua Velez and Ruben Velez III; stepson, Miguel Angel Nunez Ojeda; daughters, Yezenia Elisa Velez Vazquez; stepdaughters, Ada Marie Gonzalez Ojeda and Yaritza Ojeda; brothers, Julian Velez, Kenney Velez, Albert Velez, and Felix Mannuel Rivera; sisters, Sandy Gonzalez, and Yari Velez Carmona; stepsister, Michelle Bon; grandchildren, Jackson Dean Velez, Brianna Elisa Velez, Brandon James Garris Jr., Kayden Jade Velez Rivera, Carlos Castiel Madera-Velez; and step grandchildren, Sonia, Jason, Azlan, Horatio, Bayamo, Andrew, Alexande Kai, Hailey, Isabella, and Mason.

Throughout his life, Ruben left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He had an unstoppable spirit and lived life on his own terms, always pushing forward, always giving back.