Joe Leal

Joe M. Leal 78, of Abilene passed away Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Hendrick Medical Center. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, June 24th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap RD. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 1:00 PM in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 to 6:30 PM with Rosary beginning at 6:30 PM and Prayer service at 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 23rd in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 South.

Joe was born on September 19, 1932 in Kenedy, Texas to Joe Leal Sr. Victoria Morin Leal. He graduated from Kenedy High School and attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, TX. He began farming in Karnes County as young boy with his family. He served in the U.S. Army from 195456 during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. On January 15, 1956, he married the love of his life Lupe Trevino Leal they had been married for 55 years at the time of his death.

In 1960, Joe moved to Abilene to work for H.B Zachary Construction Company building
the Atlas Missile Silos in Taylor County. After this job ended he made Abilene his home and became a small business owner opening his own moving company Little Joe Movers, Inc. that is still in operation today after 47 years.

Joe was loved by all he had many friends and was always willing to help anyone. He had a generous, giving spirit donating his time and resources to many never wanting any recognition in return. He loved the Lord with all his heart and helped his church and many other local churches and organizations.

Joe was a devout Catholic and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharist minister and was a church member for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Council 2163 and served as Grand Knight for two years, he was member of the American Legion, the VFW, served as President for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce for many years. He enjoyed antiquing, going to auctions, and barbecuing. He had a passion for politics and was always interested in the current issues and followed them closely. He was a dedicated Hispanic Republican of Texas and has always been an activist for the Hispanic Community. He was the first Hispanic to run for public office in Taylor County and was a big fan of Congressman Randy Neugebauer and proud that his youngest daughter currently works for him.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years Lupe T. Leal three daughters, Mary Helen Leal, Annie Halbert and husband Tim and Sylvia Leal 4 grandsons, Ruben Leal, Joe Arther Leal, Joseph Arellano and Luke Hull 4 grand daughters, Diana Garcia, Lori Grothaus, Brittany Ureta and Sara Knox 6 greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother, A.L. Leal three sisters, Pauline Janssen of Corpus Christi, Mayme Vela of San Antonio and Elodia Guzman and husband Teddy of Bakersville, CA.

His parents, sisters, Amelia Friesenhahn and Mary Luna Atchison preceded him in death.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, June 23, 2011
5:00 PM

Service

ROSARY

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, June 23, 2011
6:30 PM

Prayer Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, June 23, 2011
7:00 PM

Funeral Mass

Holy Family Catholic Church
5410 Buffalo Gap Road
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, June 24, 2011
11:30 AM

Cemetery

Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene
7457 W. Lake Road
Abilene, TX  79601

Memorial Contributions

PO Box 1922
Abilene, TX  79604