David R. Leyva

Prayer service will be 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel with Lupe Mata of Segunda Iglesia Church officiating. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel with Daniel Olivan of Segunda Iglesia Church officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

David was born to Anastacio and Refugia Rodriguez Leyva on December 11, 1920 in Jimenez, Mexico. He married the love of his life, Paula Hernandez, in 1951 in Mexico. They shared 54 wonderful years together until her passing in 2005.

David will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his desire to support and love his family. He liked getting the kids together for family gatherings and barbeques. He truly loved and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When he was not spending time with his family, he was spending time in the yard, making sure it was well kept. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Anastacio and Refugia Leyva, his wife Paula Leyva and three sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his children: son Antonio Leyva and wife Hortencia, daughter Yolanda Chavarria and husband Joe Faz, and daughter Beatrice Leyva, all of San Angelo, daughter Mary Palmer and husband Adam of Arlington, TX, son David Leyva and wife Cory and daughter Linda Trevino and husband Albert, both of San Angelo; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; two brothers, two sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers for the service will be his grandsons.

I Am Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

to follow the path God made for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

to love, to laugh, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

for I found peace at last, that day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with hearts of sorrow.

My wish for you is the hope of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

good friends, good times,

a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed much too brief,

don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wants me now - He’s set me free.