Leonel Homero Caballero

Leonel Homero Caballero, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on September 16, 1949, in Alamo, Texas, Leonel was the cherished son of Guadalupe Caballero and Hortencia De La Garza Caballero.

From a young age, Leonel’s faith and service to others were evident. He was baptized, received his First Holy Communion, and was confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alamo, where he also served as an altar boy. He was an active member of the St. Dominic Savio Club and the Boy Scouts of America, experiences that shaped his lifelong character of integrity, kindness, and dedication.

Leonel attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Alamo and graduated from PSJA High School in 1968. He later earned degrees from UT-Pan American University and Texas State Technical College, where he pursued a career in respiratory therapy—a field in which he served faithfully and with great compassion for over 21 years. He worked at Knapp Medical Center, McAllen Medical Center, and Solara Specialty Hospitals in both McAllen and Harlingen. Known for his skill and empathy, Leonel was a strong advocate for his patients and took pride in helping save lives.

Leonel proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard, the Texas Army National Guard, and the United States Navy Reserves as part of the Quartermaster Corps. He was a qualified sharpshooter and was honored with the Texas Faithful Service Medal before receiving his honorable discharge.

In 1972, Leonel married the love of his life, Angelica Caballero. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They owned and operated Caballero Grocery—affectionately known as “Angie’s Grocery”—in Combes, Texas, before later settling in Harlingen. Their home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the joyful chaos of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Leonel was a man of many talents and passions. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, scuba diving, working on cars, riding his tractor, and caring for his dogs and horses. But most of all, he found joy in spending time with his family.

Leonel is survived by his devoted wife, Angelica Caballero, and their children:

• Leonel H. Caballero Jr. (wife Vanessa Cantu)
– Grandchildren: Leonel H. Caballero III, Zakariah (Kari) Caballero (great-grandchild), Margarita A. Caballero, Leonardo Benitez, Ximena Benitez

• Cynthia C. Miller (husband Kevin Miller)
– Granddaughters: Kailey N. Miller and Allison M. Miller

• Sergio Caballero
– Grandchildren: Kian Caballero and Avery Caballero

He is also survived by his siblings:

• Martha Caballero Saenz (husband Rene, †)

• Carmen Caballero Garza

• Dr. Ramiro Caballero (wife Mari)

Sister-in-law: Hilda Caballero

Leonel was preceded in death by his beloved brothers:

• Jose Guadalupe Caballero (wife Leonila, †)

• Ruben Caballero

• Rodolfo Caballero

He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

The Caballero family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported Leonel throughout his life and illness.

A special thank you to:

Our Heavenly Father, His Beloved Son Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Our Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Catholic Priests:
Reverend Genaro Garza III, Reverend Alejandro F. Flores, Reverend Jesus Guadalupe Garza, Reverend Ernesto Medina, Reverend Jose Villalón, Reverend Roberto Moreno

Religious Sisters:
Sister Benedicta Casanova and Sister Nilcar

Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, Cameron County GID and the St. Miriam Community

St. Anthony Catholic Church Homebound Ministers:
Elsa Morales, Martha Madrigal-Ramo, and Gloria Zamarripa

St. Anthony Music Minister:
Armin Comon

Close friends:
Dr. Mohan and Angela Seudeal

The dedicated caregivers and medical professionals from:

• VA Healthcare System

• VA Medical Foster Home, San Benito

• Harlingen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

• Comforcare

• Medex Transportation

• Valley Baptist and Harlingen Medical Centers

• U.S. Renal and Fresenius Kidney Dialysis Centers

• Many specialists and nurses who provided compassionate care

A profound thank you to the many friends and family who offered spiritual gifts of Masses, communions, sacrifices, rosaries, and prayers on Leonel’s behalf. Your kindness, love, and support have meant everything to the Caballero family.

Leonel Homer Caballero’s legacy of faith, service, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.