Raul Cruz Jr.

Raul Cruz Jr. (56), born June 26, 1969 in Houston, Texas to Raul Cruz Sr. and Sherry Lee Sweeten, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025 in Bedford, Texas, after a brief illness. Raul, having recently beat cancer, remained extraordinarily optimistic throughout his treatment. He had a remarkable ability to continually look toward a bright future. He was confident and relentless. Raul Jr. is survived by his loving mother, Sherry Lee Sweeten, his father, Raul Cruz Sr., a loving stepmother, Esther Cruz, his true love, Linda Ruiz Martinez, brothers, Victor Raul Cruz and Ariel Cruz, sister Jean Elizabeth Cruz Rusk (sp. Geren Wayne), his niece, Kate E. Fryda, nephew/Godson, Geren T. Rusk and a very loving family of Aunts, Uncles and cousins and his sweet spoiled Boston Terrier side-kick, Leona Cruz. Raul Cruz Jr. was full of life and had amazing energy. He achieved much during his life. Much like his father, Raul never lost the desire and energy to learn. He was certified in HVAC, certified as a paralegal, proudly obtained a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Texas at Arlington, and most recently went on to obtain the difficult certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). He enjoyed concerts immensely, always remembering his niece with a concert shirt. However, his absolute favorite thing to do was being in the kitchen making beautiful dishes. He loved to send pictures of his latest creations to his family. As a doting uncle, he loved to spoil his niece and nephew. He was proud to be a member of the Cruz family and his unwavering love and support will be profoundly missed. Viewing will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Joseph Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott St., Houston, TX 77007, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. immediately following the viewing. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church located at 6622 Haskell St., Houston, TX 77007 with a Burial Service taking place immediately after at Woodlawn Garden of Memories, 1101 Antoine Dr., Houston, TX 77055. A reception will take place following the services in the Fellowship Hall at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Victor Raul Cruz, Ariel Cruz, Mark Talamantes, Victor Cruz Jr., Douglas Schelsteder, and Geren W. Rusk. May God Rest your Soul in Peace. You will be missed beyond measure.

Raul Cruz Jr.

June 26, 1969 - December 4, 2025