Frank Leyendecker

FRANK X. LEYENDECKER December 16, 1926 - October 06, 2014 Frank X. Leyendecker was born December 16, 1926 in Laredo, Texas. He was the son of the late Peter P. Leyendecker Jr. and Emma Jordan Leyendecker. He was preceded in death by his brothers Peter P. Leyendecker III, Samuel J. Leyendecker, Albert A. Leyendecker, and his sister Emily Ann Knowles. The Leyendecker's are considered pioneers of Laredo history. Frank took great pride in his city. Growing up in Laredo, he attended St. Peters Memorial School, and attended Martin High School. His passion for hunting, fishing and ranching began as a young cowboy on the Callaghan Ranch. Frank felt most at home in the South Texas brush country with his children and grandchildren. Those who enjoyed the country with him were always captivated by his knowledge and respect for the outdoors. He loved his dogs and was well known for deer tracking. Frank was notorious for his hilarious jokes, quick wit and gifted storytelling. A true blue, through and through - Dallas Cowboys fan. A patriot, he had immense pride for his country. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served proudly during World War II until 1946. He was returned back to active duty during the Korean Conflict in 1950. After his honorable discharge in 1952, he returned to Laredo and continued his education at Martin High School. It was then that he met the love of his life, Lucia Gonzalez. Later, he attended Laredo Junior College and was recognized in 1997 as one of Laredo Community College's Top 50 Distinguished Alumni. In 2006, he was honored as a Martin High School Tiger Legend. Frank joined the Leyendecker family business in the early 1950's. He worked with his father and uncles at Gateway Lumber Company and City Lumber Company. During that time he enjoyed serving as a little league umpire and refereeing high school basketball games. From 1966 to 1969, he worked at Jacaman Gift Company. Frank was an entrepreneur, establishing Viva Well Service and partnering in a helicopter service. In 1969, he became one of the first agents for Humble Oil and Refinery. His affiliation with Exxon Mobil continued until 2007. During that time he was recognized with numerous awards, selected to create quality control guides for the storage and distribution of lubricants in Texas and was one of 50 ExxonMobil Petroleum Lubricants and Specialty products distributors in the United States. He passed in peace and without pain on Monday, October 6th in the comfort of his home. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Lucia Gonzalez Leyendecker who was at his side through all of his adventures and endeavors for sixty two years. Their years of marriage are a testament of their love and commitment to each other. He is survived by his children, Frank X. (Lourdes) Leyendecker Jr., Rebecca L. (William W.) Wise, Elizabeth Leyendecker; grandsons, Jay H. (Karina) Leyendecker, Jonathan E. Leyendecker, Jordan D. Wise; granddaughters, Lisa Leyendecker, Lourdes Leyendecker, great granddaughter, Josephine Leyendecker; brothers, Richard A. Leyendecker, and Gilbert L. (June) Leyendecker. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other loved relatives and friends. The family would like to express sincere appreciation for the care and support provided by Dr Joaquin G Cigarroa Jr., Lawrence A. Mann, Carlos Padilla, Francisco Guerrero, Jose Luis Aguilar, Tere, Chayo and Nancy. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 09, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Family respectfully requests all attending to meet at church. Military Honors will be rendered immediately following the mass. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his memory to: American Legion Post 59 Restoration Project; P.O. Box 1534, Laredo, Texas, 78042. Pallbearers are Jay H. Leyendecker, Jonathan E. Leyendecker, Jordan D. Wise, Gary Leyendecker, Gilbert L. Leyendecker, Jr. and Kirk A. Carr. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa Jr., Lawrence A. Mann, Frank X. Leyendecker, Jr., William W. Wise, Jr., Richard A. Leyendecker, Gilbert L. Leyendecker, William R. Carr, Jim McLean, Jose Fernando "Pepe" Alvarez, Manuel "Guero" Benavides, Francisco Diaz, Joe Gage, Hector Garcia, Jerome Jordan, Willis Leyendecker, Douglas Macdonald, Primitivo Nunez, Ricardo Ortiz, Dan Silva, Frank Staggs, Dr. Jerry Thomson, and Gene S. Walker Sr. You may extend your condolences to the family online at www: joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041, (956) 722-8850.