Richard Ernest Leyendecker

6/16/35 ~ 7/9/21

Dick burst into the world giving smiles and friendly hugs to one and all! Everyone from New Jersey to Texas and around the world has always been amazed at the amount of exuberance that he freely shared!

Patriotic veteran who served from 8/14/57 to 7/31/63 in the U.S. Army as a E-4 and in the Army Reserve.

Graduate of Rutgers University in Newark, NJ.

Dedicated employee of J. C. Penney for 30+ years.

Baby brother of Walter Leyendecker and Adele L. Wardrop.

Devoted husband since 11/4/61 to Lorraine Orlowski.

Blessed father of two precious children, infant son Mark and Michele White who are waiting for him in Heaven. Proud Gramps of Michele’s children: Christopher Bradley White and wife Corry Bustos, Lauren Brittany White, and Michael Xavier Lipscomb. Even prouder great-grandfather of Christopher and Corry’s sons Daniel Gavin, Matthew Dylan, and Johnathan Bradley.

Founding member of Prince of Peace Catholic Community, the center and rock of his life since 1991.

• Prince of Peace “Volunteer of the Year 2016” for the Diocesan Award due to various volunteer roles

• 4th degree Knight of Columbus Council 11716 Assembly 3642

• Knights of Columbus Council 11716 Family of the Year for 2016-2017

• Thursday morning’s “It’s NOT About You” small faith group

• Saturday morning’s small faith group

Most faithful and gregarious participant in the McDonald’s morning coffee group; crossword puzzle enthusiast if the puzzle wasn’t too difficult; a gardening enthusiast; world traveler if someone else made all the plans for him; music lover; known at K of C community breakfasts on 1st Sunday of the month as the best cajoler of even larger donations and the Knight who always had a special trinket for each kid; Harbor Freight’s #1 customer who bought anything that was a really good deal on sale even though it wasn’t needed or ever used by him.

Memorial donations:

• Prince of Peace Catholic Community (Attn: Honduras Mission)

• Cancer Support Community of North Texas (Collin County) www.cancersupportcommunity.org

• Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject/donate