Cruz Rangel Jr.

April 20, 1940 – October 2, 2026

Cruz Rangel Jr., of Temple, Texas, passed away on October 2nd, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on April 20th, 1940, to Cruz Rangel Sr. and Manuela Espinoza Rangel.

Cruz lived a life of hard work, generosity, family, and love.

In 1960, he began Cruz Carpet Service, a business that became a lasting part of his life, for more than six decades. Cruz took pride in his work and in serving the people of his community. He also took great pride in teaching and mentoring many young men throughout the years, helping them learn the trade and build a future of their own. Many of those he mentored went on to establish successful carpet businesses themselves.

Cruz was an accomplished athlete and boxer. He competed

in the 1963 State Golden Gloves Tournament, and was one of eight, honored as the “Ring Kings,”. His love for boxing remained with him throughout his life.

Cruz always preached to enjoy life, and he did exactly that. He loved traveling, especially to Vegas-his home away from home, slot machines, listening to oldies, and spending time with his Honey. But above everything else, Cruz loved his family.

His greatest love was his wife, Josephine “Josie” Rangel. The two shared 61 years of marriage, and Cruz loved her more than anything in this world. After her passing, he carried that love with him every day. His family finds comfort in knowing that Cruz and his beloved wife are together again.

His faith was also an important part of his life. He was apart of St. Joseph’s Church, where you would find him, just about everyday.

Cruz is preceded in death by his wife, Josephine “Josie” Rangel; his parents, Cruz Rangel Sr. and Manuela Espinoza Rangel; and his siblings, Jonas Rangel, Richard Rangel, Patsy Alvarez, Candy Barrera, 

He leaves behind his daughters, Brenda Rangel and Belinda Carrasco; grandchildren, Jeannette Fuentes, Sadee Carrasco, and Sianna Carrasco; as well as his cherished great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters, Irene Sierra, Terry Sanchez, Mary Jane Barrera, and Katherine Sanchez Saldivar, along with many extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched.

Cruz leaves behind a legacy built not only through the work of his hands, but through the people he taught, and the lives he touched. He was a businessman, a husband, a father, and a grandfather, but most of all, he was a man who loved his family deeply and gave generously.

His family will forever carry his memory, the songs he sang, his love, his stories, and the lessons he taught them.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are:

-Danny Rangel

-Jagger Delafuente

-Joryen Delafuente

-Abram Ybarra

-Jason Villarreal

-Delmar Carrasco 

At The family's Request Public Visitation will be held in The Inside Main Building of Martinez Funeral Home Chapel ~ Dixie On Thursday October 8, 2026 from 1pm-5pm Only....

Visitation, Friday October 9, 2026 from 8am-12:30pm in The Inside Main Building of Martinez Funeral Home Chapel ~ Dixie

Mr. Cruz Rangel Jr. will be transported to St. Joseph`s Catholic Church at 1PM, for viewing till 2PM with a Rosary from 2:00PM to 2:30 Pm with Mass to be celebrated at 2:30 Pm at St. Joseph`s Catholic Church with Fr. Frank Chavez officiating.

At The family's Request Cremation has been opted as the Alternative means of Burial, The Cremation and a Memorial Service will be held and announced at a Later Date...

Services Entrusted to Martinez Funeral Home Dixie.