The sincere love for family and the descendants of Fernando De Leon didn’t come to an end with his death. Fernando passed away on March 9, 2021 at the age of 88 after a courageous battle following a surgery, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by putting God and family first.
Fernando was born on September 25, 1932 in Meyersville, Texas to parents Alfredo and Maria de Jesúsa De Leon. Fernando grew up with his siblings Domingo Garcia, Alfredo De Leon, Agapito De Leon, Eva Garza, Amparo Cuellar, Jesúsa Guajardo and Augustina De Leon. He met his wife Juanita Espinoza, and they married on December 31, 1955 in Victoria, Texas. He was a hard worker, finding a lucrative opportunity in the trucking business where he owned his own truck hauling gravel, followed by owning and operating a gas station, and ultimately opening his own mechanic shop. After some years of operation, he changed careers by earning his certificate from the School of Engineering in Syracuse, New York, subsequently working for Citizens Medical Center where he was promoted from maintenance engineer to assistant chief engineer. His pride was in his hard work and in his children for whom he worked, and he shared his passion for loyalty to family over the years.
The simplest moments in life with his children brought great joy to Fernando, and family was always put first. He loved story-time with his children, and was very good at it, often animated, lavish and certainly humorous in his delivery. He always enjoyed a good joke. Rarely would you talk with him and not hear a witty punchline in mid-conversation. He had a strong relationship with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and read the word of God daily, quoting scripture often and emphasizing the power of a father’s prayers over his family. During most visits with his children and grandchildren, he would say a blessing over them as they came and as they went, a spiritual gesture often expressed in the Old Testament by Abraham, the father of many nations.
Fernando always helped others, and everyone he met knew that he would give the shirt off his backs for those he loved, and nothing was ever expected in return nor had to be asked. Fernando’s children include Irma Jean Villareal and husband David, Harold John De Leon and wife Tina; Fernando De Leon Jr. and wife Sylvia; Joe Anthony De Leon (deceased); Jesúsa (Susan) Ann Gutierrez and husband David; Martin Edward De Leon and wife Deborah; and J.R. De Leon and wife Patricia. Fernando’s grandchildren include Lina Corona, Joey Loza, Tiffany Steward, Fernando De Leon III, Danica De Leon, Holly Hunter, Matthew De Leon, Harold Molina, Jenny Molina, Ashley Strevel, Michelangelo De Leon, Brittani Nicholson, Trinidad De Leon, Emily De Leon, Gemma De Leon, Victoria De Leon, Emmanuel De Leon, Camey Gutierrez, Karina De Leon, Ruth Ann Garcia, Sarah Rivera, Jonah Rivera, Jonathan Rivera, Joshua Rivera, Courtney Garcia and John Rivera. Fernando leaves a legacy in his five children, 25 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation Friday, March 12, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Home, 3304 E. Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, TX. A funeral service will be held on March 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Rosewood Funeral Chapel officiated by Pastor Tony Velasquez, followed by a burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Laurent Street at Mockingbird Lane. A reception will follow at 102 Lancelot Street, Victoria, TX 77904.
Guests and loved ones can consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as a tribute to Fernando.
