Luther Leon Wiley (79), youngest son of James Richard and Carrie Mae [Christian] Wiley, died peacefully in his home in New Braunfels on Aug 19. He was surrounded by family and friends and carefully attended by his devoted wife of 54 years, Betsy. A resident of New Braunfels since 2000, “Papa Lou” was a lifelong Texan, born in South Plains. He graduated Salutatorian of Floydada High School in 1956. He was Texas state Champion in Math Number Sense in 1955 and a two-time spelling bee regional champion as well. Following high school, Leon served overseas in the U.S. army in Germany. He worked for Western Union and AT&T. He met his wife Betsy, while working in Gallup, NM. They married on May 16, 1964 and had four children: Michael, Stephen, Paula and Richard. Leon was a longtime resident of Lubbock, but also lived in St. Louis, and briefly in New Orleans, Amarillo, and New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Josephine “Betsy” Wiley; four children; three grandchildren - Alec, Erika and Skyler; a sister - Mary; and many nieces and nephews. Leon was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He was a gentle soul well known in his New Braunfels church community for his warm smile, passion for playing games and quick wit. Everyone who knew Leon remembers his kind and gentle nature and the way he lit up a room with his pleasant demeanor. Leon’s life was long, full and rewarding, and he will be greatly missed by all. A vigil will be held in New Braunfels at Zoeller Funeral Home at 7:00 pm on Monday, August 27, followed by mass Tuesday morning at 10:00 am at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, August 28. We remember him fondly. May he Rest In Peace in the Presence of Our Lord.
