Ruben Pacillas Armendariz

1930 - 2025

Armendáriz Armendáriz
May 6, 1930 - November 27, 2025
Ruben Pacillas Armendáriz passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025. Born May 6, 1930, Ruben's life was shaped by faith, family, and a commitment to service.
Ruben attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas, served in the U.S. Navy and graduated from the University of Texas before earning his Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Ruben served as Vice President and Director of Hispanic Ministries at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Upon his return to Texas, he served as church consultant and later as interim presbytery executive of Mission Presbytery.
Ruben's ministry spanned decades and regions, devoted to uplifting the marginalized and fostering communities of faith. Rev. Dr. Leslie Díaz-Perez, Director of McCormick's El Centro, says, "Ruben taught us that the gospel is lived in two languages: the language of love and the language of justice. He trained leaders who preached with heart and organized with courage-so that the Church could better serve God's people in every neighborhood and beyond."

Ruben is survived by his wife, Cynthia Díaz de León, and their son, Caleb Díaz de León, as well as his other children: Jonathan Ruben (Ann), Deborah Joyce Jakobitz (Quentin), Joel David (Rona), and Julian Daniel (Natalie). His love extended to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the wider family he nurtured in faith and friendship.
Ruben's legacy of compassion and dedication will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 13.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Austin Seminary Armendariz Memorial scholarship fund at https://www.tpf.org/donate/ or mailed to Texas Presbyterian Foundation, 6100 Colwell Blvd, #250, Irving, TX.