Robert L. De Leon

July 30, 1936 - March 23, 2024

Robert Lopez De Leon passed away peacefully as he left to be with our Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born July 30, 1936, to Alfonso and Maria Lopez De Leon in San Antonio, Texas Robert is preceded in death by his parents, sister Carmen De Leon Diaz (Samuel, †). He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Garcia De Leon. Robert leaves four siblings, Yolanda De Leon Castro (Vidal, †), Augustine De Leon (Mary Estella), Lois De Leon, and Noemi Oralia De Leon Thelander (Mark). He leaves five children, Robert Jr. (Caroline), Richard John (Olga), Ralph (Edna), Renee De Leon Sanchez (Antonio) and David Michael (Michelle); four grandchildren, Emily Christine (Robert Jr.), Eric Christopher (Roxanne), Rebecca Priscilla and Bryce Roland; eight great-grandchildren, Eric Christopher II, Ella Rey, Navea Christine, Sophia Noelle, Noah Ayden, Carter Ethan, Mateo, Robert III and 14 nephews and nieces and their families.

Robert lived a simple life. He loved family gatherings as much as a good balance of personal time flying under the radar. Robert was a clever precision tools and gadget guy paired with an admirable tireless work ethic, a character strength of the entire De Leon family. At work as a master auto mechanic, and at play, he made friends everywhere he went and provided help to whomever needed it.

Robert lived the spirit of giving life to vehicles and fine-tuning engines. Anyone can experience that passion in the "Ford vs Ferrari" movie. He and his sons worked on a project to design and build a fast go-cart from scratch. They would take turns to drive and fishtail it. Robert was all smiles! Throughout his career, Robert earned acclaim in automotive circles as being one of San Antonio's best engine overhaul experts. He also selflessly provided a social service as mobile mechanic and at home to help those that could not afford expensive auto repairs. His career started in the 1950s and spanned work at State Engine Sales, Greg's Auto Repair, as owner-manager and full-time mechanic of De Leon's Texaco, Slim's Auto, and was loved by the Baumann Auto Repair family where he retired in the early-2000s.

In the 1960s, Robert loved taking his young family for picnic table dinners at city parks like Concepción or Roosevelt on Friday afternoons feasting on an abundance of fried fish, shrimp, and oysters from Christi's (best seafood in town). At the Texaco, he enjoyed the great radio mix of music back then by Righteous Brothers, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Supremes, and the Doors. Those were some of the best of family times and fun - a good dad, and ever the hopeless romantic!

Sadly, Robert and wife Margaret Johnson amicably parted ways after two decades of marriage. Even so, Robert, never the world traveler, made a most important flight to and from New York to join the entire family for Robert Jr's graduation from West Point, United States Military Academy in 1978.

In the 1980s, Robert came to love and marry Sandra L. Overbeck, giving birth to a beautiful son, David Michael. Sadly, as fate would have it, Robert and Sandy would part ways in the 1990s. In the 2000s, Robert would come to love and marry Mary L. Garcia, each fostering their love until his passing.

In retirement, Robert loved working with his brother Augie, aka Kiddo, at De Leon's Signage and at times tinkered with him in setting up signs and restoring 1930s classic cars. De Leon loved his children, Robert, Richard, Ralph, Renee, and David, all of which have had exceptional careers in STEM-related industries and/or business corporate management.

In retrospect, Robert regretted one thing the most - lack of time with loved ones. He choked up with the song "Cats In the Cradle". He was the silent prayer type and based on his Christian upbringing, he could recite the Bible books in Spanish. He was a faithful, repentant, and baptized Christian and knew our Lord and Savior. He left no doubt as his time waned that he was elated to be rejoining his loving mom he missed so dearly and other loved ones that awaited him in Heaven. God bless Robert L. De Leon may he rest in everlasting peace.

The family will receive guests at Castillo Funeral Home on Thursday April 11, 2024. From 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm for visitation and at 6:00 pm for a Memorial Service.

Family and friends will meet at Castillo Funeral Home on Friday April 12, 2024, at 9:00 am. The funeral procession for burial will begin at Castillo's at 10:00am, with a graveside service held at San Jose Burial Park.