Cruz Rafael Cruz, beloved husband, father and Papo, went home to meet his Heavenly Father at the age of 90, on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Waxahachie, Texas surrounded by his family.

Cruz was born April 14, 1930 to Juan Cruz and Carlota Montoya Cruz in Holman, New Mexico. He grew up there until the age of 16, then moved to Raymondville, Texas. He graduated from Raymondville High School in 1950. He then married his lifelong love, Maria Perla Garcia, of Raymondville on November 30, 1951.

Cruz worked for Scott Lumber Company in Raymondville for 7 years before making his home in Ennis where he worked for Leggett & Platt Inc. for 36 years, in which he retired. After his retirement from Leggett & Platt Inc., he owned a local lawn service for over 10 years until the age of 80. He was a member of the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church.

Cruz is survived by five sons: Johnny Cruz, and wife Josie, Carlos Cruz, Chris Cruz, Cruz O. Cruz and wife Rhonda and Danny Cruz and wife Betty; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews from New Mexico, South Texas and Colorado. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, father, mother, son Andres (Andy) Cruz, grand-daughter Christina Cruz, brother Alfonso Cruz, four sisters, Delia Garza, Rosa Chavez, Oralia Baca and Alicia Cruz.

Visitation will be from 6 pm-8 pm on Monday, January 25, 2021 in the J.E. Keever Chapel.

Rosary at 9:30 am and Mass of the Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 26,2021 at the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church with Father John as celebrant. Pallbearers will be Christopher Cruz, Cruz O. Cruz Jr., Phillip Cruz, Andrew Cruz, Alex Cruz, Eric Cruz and honorary pallbearer will be Isaac Molina. Christian Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.