It is with profound sadness that the family of Felix E. De Leon announce his passing at the age of 93.  Surrounded by his family he passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home in the early afternoon of July 13, 2021.  He was born on January 16, 1928 in San Antonio, Texas.  He was the youngest child of Santos and Refugio De Leon.  As a young boy growing up during the Depression it was instilled in him the need to not be wasteful of things and time. At the age of 15 he had to leave school to help his family make ends meet by picking cotton in areas of Texas and California.  Although he liked the traveling he found out early on that picking cotton was a hard job even for a young boy.  After a couple of seasons of picking cotton he decided to work with his father back in San Antonio.  His father taught him the trade of carpentry and the value of hard work and being self sufficient.  He worked with his father for many years.  His mother, under her watchful eye, taught him to be a respectful and responsible young man.  She was his guiding light and helped him nourish his love for faith and family.  He remembered both of them fondly throughout his life. In 1952 he married the love of his life Estella, whom he lovingly called "Coy".  Together they raised five children.  He was a devoted husband and father and provided his family with love and security.  He extended his devotion later in his life to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was a man that would help anyone that was in need of it, family, friend, or stranger, he always gave what he could.  His giving of himself was boundless. He could always be counted on.  His word was as good as gold. His handshake was always a promise. And his faith in God never wavered. In 1950 he served his country in the Korean War.  After the war, he worked at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.  His civilian career at Kelly AFB was filled with many achievements, awards, and promotions.  After 43 years of service at Kelly AFB he retired in 1987.  After retiring, he enjoyed his passion for gardening and became a self employed gardener for a period of time.  In his later years he liked staying active with his church and visiting his local VFW post where he enjoyed the friendship of fellow veterans. He loved life and filled it with his fondness for cooking, music, watching movies, and reading.  He leaves behind lifelong lessons on how to live an abundant life and many memories that will be cherished.  He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Estella, his two beloved sons Ernesto and Norberto, and his infant daughter Maria.  He is survived by his other daughters Beatrice, Mary Alice, and Crystella, his sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.