"Alex" Alexander Ray Arteaga, of Austin and formerly of Mason, passed away on Saturday, January 13, at the age 36 after a short illness. Alex was born in Brady on January 21, 1981 to Miguel J. Arteaga and Barbara Martinez Arteaga.

He was raised in Mason and was a 2000 graduate of Mason High School. During his high school years Alex was involved in FFA and was a very active member of the Mason Puncher Band where he played saxophone and led the band as drum major his junior and senior years. While in high school he also developed a love for theater arts. He would even put on plays for his family.

After graduating from High School, Alex attended St Edwards University in Austin. He worked for Comerica bank for many years where he was branch manager of their bank in Pflugerville. Alex loved Austin where he could enjoy the music and theater arts, enjoyed shopping at the malls, having a good glass of wine and relaxing in the swimming pool at his home. He also liked his "Sunday Funday" time that he and his friends had each weekend.

While Alex enjoyed Austin, he never lost his love of home and family. He would talk to his parents almost every day and liked to come home to visit with friends and family. He loved animals, especially his cat "Georgie" and the family dachshund "Resky".

Alex is survived by his parents Miguel J. and Barbara M. Arteaga of Mason, a brother Miguel A. Arteaga of Mason, his sister Felicia Katie Arteaga and fiance` Jason Crissman of Austin and grandparents Frank Martinez of Mason and Apolinar Arteaga of Fredonia.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home with a Rosary to follow at 7. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Crosby Cemetery.