Leon C Cuellar

Port Lavaca-Leon C. Cuellar, 93, joined his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 26, 2014. He was born May 12, 1921, to Cosme and Mary Louise De Leon Cuellar at the De Leon Ranch on the Lower Mission Valley Road in Victoria. Leon was a direct descendant of Don Martin De Leon, founder of Victoria, Texas, as a fifth generation grandson.

Leon proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Leon retired from a successful career as a sales manager in the automobile industry. After retirement, he continued his lifelong passion of ranching, operating one of the oldest cattle ranches in Texas.

Leon never met a stranger and left an impact on each life he touched. He loved visiting with his wife, spending evenings on the back porch with family and friends, and playing (and always winning) dominoes. He will forever be remembered for his unwavering faith, honesty, caring heart, humor, and quick wit.

He is survived by his wife, Ollie Harris Cuellar of Port Lavaca, sons Michael Cuellar of Victoria and Stephen Cuellar of Port Lavaca; daughters Barbara Cuellar Schmidt (Stephan) of Port Lavaca, and Dale Ann Griffith (Kavin) of Port Lavaca; sisters Bessie Peterson and Chobie Stringham; granddaughters Kristy Cuellar Robins (Buford), Stephanie Schmidt Mayfield (Todd), Bethany Schmidt (fiancée Jerrod Monaghan); grandsons Samuel Cuellar, Daniel Cuellar, Everett Wood (Renee); 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille Reagan Cuellar; parents, and brothers Jasper Cuellar, Frank Villafranca and Louis Villafranca.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 29, 2014, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home in Port Lavaca. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 30, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church with Rev. Tommy Chen officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the Calhoun County Veterans Joint Honor Guard.

Pallbearers are Stephan Schmidt, Samuel Cuellar, Daniel Cuellar, Todd Mayfield, Jerrod Monaghan, Buford Robins, and Everett Wood.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the numerous doctors, nurses, and staff that cared for Leon at DeTar Medical Center and Post Acute Medical Care ICU. We are forever grateful for your love and compassion.

Memorial donations may be made to the Our Lady of the Gulf Capital Campaign Fund, 415 W. Austin, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com