Jose came to America when he was 17, seeking a better life for not only himself and his future family. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth, on Sunday, July 1, 1979 in Tyler, Texas. They loved fishing together and having a cold Bud Light while relaxing by the water. Jose was a family man who enjoyed spending quality time with his kids and grandkids. He had a passion for cars and his career in welding, but his greatest accomplishment was being Papaw. Jose was often known for teaching trades to not only his own kids, but his nephews, because he knew the importance of having many skill sets. Jose will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jose is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Rae Leal; children, Jose Roberto (Brenda) Leal, Johnathan Leal, Adam R.W. Leal, Marcos Antonio (Xenia) Leal, and Jose Efrain Leal, Jr.; grandchildren, Romina Leal, Roberta Leal, Damien Aiden Leal, Lauro Adan "Bubba" Leal, Elizabeth Eva Leal, Nathaniel Rodriguez, Alexia Hernandez, Natalee Naveah Leal, Marcos Antonio Leal Jr., Roberto Mauricio Leal, Jalynn Marie Leal, and Maleah Rae Leal; and numerous extended family members.
Jose is preceded in death by his mother, Margarita Torres; father, Jose Salazar; step-father, Polo Cantu; brothers, Wili Cantu and Jose Juan; sister, Rose Marie Torres, all from Mexico; father-in-law, Robert Tingley; and mother-in-law, Billie Mae Tingley from Tyler.
A time of visitation for Jose will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 9:00 - 10:00 am in the Chapel of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home. A celebration of life will begin at 10:00 am, following the graveside service at 11:00 am at the Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Jose Efrain Leal Jr., Adam Raymond Walter Leal, Marcos Antonio Leal, Jose Roberto Leal, Michael Allen Salazar, Destiny Nicole Buchanan and Daniel LeeAllen Umphries.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tylermemorial.com for the Leal Torres family.
