Eduardo D. Leal

On May 13, 2014, at the age of 94, with a full moon lighting his way, Eduardo D. Leal, left his watch and took the final steps of his journey to reunite with his wife, our Mom, Anita. Our Dad passed away surrounded by his family and with the knowledge that he left them loved and beloved. Dad was born in Miami, Arizona and spent the early years of his life helping his family sell oil and gas, moving between Arizona and Mexico. After the passing of his father and brother, Dad did various jobs in Arizona, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. It was in Texas that he met his wife to be, Anita Lara. Dad honorably served his country, in the Army, from September 25, 1941 to November 26, 1945. Dad was attached to the 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division. Dad was involved in the Normandy campaign, jumping with a team of soldiers into enemy territory as part of a special unit of soldiers who jumped with a disassembled artillery canon which was reassembled once they were on the ground. He also served in the Rhineland campaign and in other areas of Central Europe. His 82nd Airborne unit was involved with the liberation of the Wobbelin concentration camp in Germany. Keeping a promise he made to our Mom’s mother, Dad and Mom did not marry until after he returned from his service in the Army. They were married on December 23, 1945 in Turlock, CA after having moved to California to find work. Dad and Mom immediately started a family that grew to eight children. Dad took a job with Snider Lumber Products in 1948 and worked there for over 37 years until his retirement. Upon his retirement, Dad enjoyed woodworking, a little traveling and of course, his family which grew to include 16 grandchildren, 21 great-children with 1 one the way and 1 great-great grandchild. Dad lived in Turlock until his passing. Dad is preceded in death by our much loved Mother, Anita and other family members, including his special son in law, David Miguel. He will be missed by all his children: Norma (Bill) Cook, of San Antonio, TX.; Irma Miguel of Turlock, CA , Eduardo “Butch”(Sandra) Leal Jr of Ceres, CA; Ida (John) Hailstone of Modesto, CA; Eva Leallara of Portland, OR; Alex Leal of Newman, CA; Charlie (Helen) Leal of Turlock and Raquel (Paul) Vanni of Gilroy, CA. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Road in Turlock, with a recitation of the rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m., also at Turlock Funeral Home, with interment in Turlock Memorial Park. Remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Alzheimer’s Association in our Dad’s name.

Tributes

Eduardo D. Leal

May 13, 2014