Ricardo De Leon

Ricardo De Leon

SANTA FE – Mr. Ricardo De Leon passed from this life Thursday evening, January 26, 2023, in Santa Fe.

Ricardo was born on August 10, 1937, in Abrams (formerly Ojo de Agua) to Victor and Guadalupe De Leon. After graduating high school, he met Ofelia Perez while out dancing and the two were married May 8, 1960. Dancing and learning to dance became something the couple enjoyed doing throughout their 62 years of marriage. They started a family and found their way to the gulf coast in 1967. Ricardo had a great work ethic which always provided for his family. He went to work at the Goose Creek Country Club in Baytown for several years before joining the Entex Gas Company. Ricardo climbed the company ladder and after 38 years he retired as a senior service manager. When he wasn’t working, Ricardo stayed active in his church, Our Lady Of Lourdes. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus 10393 and became a 4th degree knight. He was also a member of Our Lady Of Lourdes Men’s Club and F.O.E. Aerie 3789. Of all the many things Ricardo did, he will always be remembered by the community as “the watermelon man.” Without fail, Ricardo would scour Texas for the tastiest watermelons, bring them back home and sell them on the side of the road to those who passed by. He quickly became a fixture in the community. Ricardo was a wonderful man who loved his family to his core. He will be greatly missed until we can see him again.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Guadalupe (Valadez) De Leon; daughter, Maria Virginia Sorrels; grandson, Joshua De Leon.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 62 years, Ofelia Perez De Leon; daughter, Jessica De Leon Hale and husband, Frank; son, Victor De Leon and wife, Lari; brothers, Ramiro De Leon, Victor De Leon, Jr.; sister, Elida Hernandez; grandchildren, Dustin Raanes and wife, Amanda, Julia Raanes, Ayla Sorrels; great-grandchildren, Tyler Byrket and wife, Riley, Madison Raanes, Miranda Byrket, Lacey Byrket, Aubrie Raanes, John Overbeck, V, Jayda Overbeck, Jacob Overbeck, Jessa McDowell; great-great-grandchild, Aaliyah Grace; numerous God children.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2023, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, with Pastor Charlie Rollo officiating. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Monday at Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501, with a Rosary recited by the Knights Of Columbus beginning at 6:30 p.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ricardo De Leon, please visit our floral store.