Born 6/07/1937 in Skidmore, TX, to Rudolph & Adelia Sumbera, who have predeceased him.
Dad passed away on January 21st, due to continued complications from a fall at home on November 19, 2025, that was the result of a stroke, which caused a shattered femur on his right side. Dad grew up in Guadalupe and ran a cotton farm with his dad as an only child. He graduated from Patti Welder High School, where he ran track & played football. He was & is very close to his Bohemian Czech cousins, Joyce, Buck, Van, Faye, Jean, Mark, Ronnie, Marilyn, Lois, & Ralph, who have different versions of the spelling of the family name, Schumbera, Shumbera & Sumbera. His friend, who was like a brother, Kyle Daniels, has been a blessing to the family for over 40 years and continues to be a devoted part of our family, as well as Susan Hartzell, who was like a daughter to dad for 50+ years.
Dad worked hard on the farm before & after graduation, but also was a mechanic, worked in the oil field, and served in the US Marine Corps for our country. It was during Mom's senior year in high school that they were married in 1958. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on February 9th, 2026. Dad settled into shift work as an operator at Union Carbide Seadrift plant for 38 years. To him, his job was more like paid time with his friends. On their long nights, they would take turns cooking ‘gourmet’ meals with homemade ice cream. We think not much work was accomplished on those evenings.
Dad loved floundering, and some nights he would bring home 400 fish or oysters by the wash tubs full. Sitting on the back porch hulling or in the kitchen filleting for 10 hours at a time. Not only were these his favorite hobbies, but it was Dad's way of bringing in extra money to make sure we 3 girls had everything we needed. He enjoyed taking family & friends on these all-night fishing trips whenever he was off. No one ever lasted as long as Dad. He had fun cooking fish fries and pecan pies for everyone.
Dad also became the neighborhood handyman when he retired. He made sure the many widows that lived on our block did not have to worry about their lawns or odd jobs that needed to be done. They paid him w/ sweets and a smile. Due to a change in his health in 2001, Dad was a regular at the HealthPlex, where he became the doctors' and nurses ‘poster-child’ of how to get in shape and eat properly. He prided himself on his nutrition & workout ethic. He was so very loved by everyone.
Edgar, as some called him, is survived by Patsy Merle and 3 daughters, Donna, D’Lesa (David), and Darlene (Chris). Eoy, his grandpa's name, which was given to him by Cameron, as they had a special relationship that will continue to last, had 5 grandchildren, Cameron (Kelsey), Garrett, Ashlyn (Isaac), David II, and Michaela ‘Kia’. Each of them held a loving place in Eoy’s heart. Dad loved God, family, friends, and life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from two o'clock until four o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday the 1st of February at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. The funeral service will be Monday the 2nd of February at ten o'clock in the morning at Rosewood Funeral Chapel.
An interment will follow immediately via an escorted cortege to Memory Gardens Cemetery where the Victoria Veterans Council will conduct full military honors.
Pallbearers: Cameron Gomez, Garrett Gomez, Ashlyn Oliveri, David Brown II, Michaela Willborn, Isaac Oliveri, Kelsey Gomez, Susan Hartzell, Kyle Daniels, David Brown, Chris Willborn, Isaac Oliveri, and Kelsey Gomez.
The family asks you to please donate to Northside Baptist Church, 4100 N. Laurent, Victoria, TX 77901 or Hospice of South Texas, at 1005 Mallette Drive, Victoria 77904, as they were a huge part of his care and comfort & such a Blessing through this difficult time. No other hospice provides loving care like HOST. A true center of compassion that is there for the patient and the family, never letting you down & doing more than expected.A tremendous thank you to Dr. John McNeil for the special attention that he provided to Leroy when he needed it the most. The family would also like to say thank you to ALL of Dad's caregivers, Margaret especially, Martha, Tency, Heidi, Patsy, Debra, Jo Lyn & HOST for all they have done for Dad & each of us. From our family to you, each of you is and has been a blessing. We continue to hold you dear to our hearts. Mom would like to thank John & Sandra, Robert & Nancy, Milton & Patricia for their friendship as they have followed them through this journey, staying close and caring. To family & friends, Dad bids a sweet farewell until we see him again. Praise God for life with him through eternity! Dad, rest in peace.
We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by visiting www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
