My Beloved Grandparents

ROY KEITH BACKEN

Graveside services for Roy Keith Backen, 90, of Sweeny, TX, were held June 3, 2009 at Palacios Cemetery.Mr. Backen was born on June 10, 1918 in Eldorado, OK. He passed away May 31, 2009.He enlisted in the United States Army on Aug. 14, 1941 and married Ruby Catherine Castle Church on Nov. 3, 1942 at Camp Wolters, TX. He then served his country overseas as a Squad Leader for Company A, 16th Infantry in the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign. Roy was wounded in action on July 12, 1944 in Sicily and honorably discharged into civilian life the following January. A long time resident of Sweeny, he attended First Baptist Church in Sweeny and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Old Ocean Recreational Club for many years. He retired from Amoco Production Company on May 1, 1983 after 29 years as an Administrative Analyst and Supervisor. He and Ruby enjoyed many years of traveling together in their motor home throughout the United States after his retirement. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Rod and Lynda Backen of San Angelo and Terry and Sheila Backen of Sweeny; and four grandchildren, Stacy Backen of Frisco, Sarah and Ryan Backen of Seguin, and Lindsey Backen of Sweeny. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Mordant and Bertha Louise Lipscomb Backen; an infant sister, Dorothy Louise Backen; a brother, Carl Mordant Backen, Jr.; his wife of 64 years, Ruby Backen; an infant son, Larry Keith Backen; and an infant daughter, Cindi Gail Backen.
Palacios Beacon, June 10, 2009



Ruby Catherine Castle Backen (July 21, 1919 - December 12, 2006)

Ruby Catherine Castle Backen, 87, left her home in Sweeny to be with her Lord on December 12, 2006. She married Roy Backen on November 7, 1942. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. As a member of First Baptist in Sweeny for 46 years, she served her Lord wherever needed; taught Mission Friends and Girls In Actions; and in her later years, participated in the Kitchen Band. She was also involved in the community as a charter member of the Pink Ladies, a member of the Rebekah Lodge and as den mother for the Cub Scouts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eleanor Church, her sister Vivian Cantrell, infant son Larry Keith Backen and infant daughter Cindi Gail Backen.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Roy Keith Backen of Sweeny; sons and daughters-in-law Rod & Lynda Backen of San Angelo and Terry & Sheila Backen of Sweeny; grandchildren Stacy, Sarah, Ryan and Lindsey Backen.
Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Friday, December 15, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Sweeny with Rev. Jeryl Watkins officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery in Palacios.