Leandro H. Rael

Leandro passed away April 28th peacefully, surrounded by his family.

He celebrated his 90th birthday April 26 with a Mariachi band, family, friends, and effectively said goodbye to his loved ones with a wave, going to the Lord two days later.

Leandro grew up in Arroyo Hondo, N.M., born April 19, 1935, to Inocencio Rael and Virginia Martines. Leandro, a patriotic American, joined the U.S. Army in 1959, stationed at Fort Sam Houston.

A humble man, Leandro never discussed his 20-year meritorious military service with his family.

Among his many commendations were: National Defense Security Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Leandro loved to take his children camping and taught them to fish. He also was a dedicated gardener, planting a vegetable garden each year. He enjoyed watching his favorite sports: Gonzaga Bulldog basketball and wrestling. He also loved reading history books. In his later years, he mostly read about his Roman Catholic faith.

Leandro was an excellent father, his children said: “He had a wonderful, caring nature; he was so gentle and so kind to animals. When one of our dogs was hit by a car, our father tried to save our dog. Unfortunately, our little dog did not survive. Watching my dad trying to save our dog’s life was so meaningful to me. He will always be my hero.” said Gavie Lochridge, one of his daughters.

“He taught me how to be filled with true grit,” said Maggie Medina, another daughter. “He taught me how to drive a four-speed car in two weeks that I had to drive with my 15-year-old brother. I was only 17. He gave me the courage and confidence to drive that car from Louisiana through Houston traffic.”

He is survived by the mother of his children, Margarita Rael. He is also survived by children: Maggie Medina (Chris,) Robert Rael (Marguerite), Gabriella Rael Lochridge (Grant), Louis Rael (Sylvia), and Rose Rael Benner (Erik), and two step-children.

Grandchildren: Christopher Medina (DeAnne), Vanessa Vasquez, Joshua Rael Sr. (Rebecca), Priscilla Leach (William), Alexander Medina (Cesar), Cynthia Rael, Alexio Mercado (Elyssa), Kathryn Rael, and Angelina Lochridge.

He is survived by great-grandchildren: Victoria Vasquez, Joshua Rael Jr., Robert Rael, Skarlett Leach, Valentina Rojas, Iris Leach, Andres Mercado, Christiana Medina, Mila Mercado, Liam Leach, and Jonathan Rael.

He also is survived by siblings: sister Genara Rael Sanchez and brother Roberto I. Rael (Geraldine).

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan Rael. He also was preceded in death by his siblings: sister Elivia Rael Avila, sister Erlinda Rael Fallon, brother Eloy Rael, sister Theodora Rael Padilla, and sister Annabell Rael Grubb. Also, great- grandchildren Nathaniel Rael and Faith Medina.

Leandro, who held the rank of Major when he retired from the military, will be buried at Fort Sam Houston with a caisson service. A caisson service, used to convey a casket, is awarded only to military funeral honors with escort for specific military members.

Services will be held on May 21 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 6680 Crestway Drive, San Antonio, TX 78239. Visitation is set for 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. The Holy Rosary will be said at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m.

A committal service with military honors will follow at 11 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Services are being handled by Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City.