Raul Leyva Sr.

March 18, 1924 - March 31, 2011 Raul Leyva, Sr., 87, of Kansas City, MO, was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 31, 2011 surrounded by his loving wife of 58 years Juanita, and his beloved children. He will enter the gates of Heaven where his family who preceded him in death will welcome him into God's Kingdom. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 6, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1310 Westport Road, KCMO. Friends may call from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 7, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1150 N. 38th St. Raul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to all those whom he touched during his lifetime. He enjoyed life with a smile, traveling, playing volleyball, and watching old western movies. He was born on March 18, 1924, in Kansas City, KS, to Rafael and Rosario (Liera) Leyva. He attended Clara Barton Elementary School. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Ramapo. He worked as a truck driver for Missouri Pacific Truck Lines for 33 years before retiring from Union Pacific Truck Lines in 1989. He is preceded in death by: his parents; daughter, Linda Marie Montoya; two brothers, Joe Leyva, Rudolph Leyva; and sister, Rebecca Castillo; and a great grandson, Dominik Wood. Survivors include the love of his life, Juanita Reyes Leyva, of the home; five children: Rudolph Leyva (Debbie) of Corpus Christi, TX, Teresa Varela (Michael) of Ocoee, FL, Raul Leyva, Jr. (Roxanne) of Kansas City, MO, Cecilia Fuller (Don) of Merriam, KS, and Anna Marie (Leyva) Robleado of the home. He leaves behind to cherish his memory 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Raul will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and everyone that he encountered in his wonderful lifetime. God bless him in his journey to Heaven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9237 Ward Pkwy, KCMO 64114.