Jose Leija Jimenez

Jose Leija Jimenez, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Thrall, TX Friday, April 20, 2012.

He was born in Runge, TX on January 29, 1926 to Cyrillos Jimenez and Philippa Leija. He was the youngest of six children.

He was a World War II Veteran serving in the United States Army as a Military Policeman. He received the Victory and Occupation Medals while he was stationed in Germany.

Jose married the love of his life, Antonia Flores, on December 30, 1949 in Lovington, NM. They had eight children.

He was a laborer most of his life doing construction work and picking cotton. He enjoyed spending time with family and visiting with everyone until he could no longer drive.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 sisters Maria, Cruz, and Tranquelina, 2 brothers Raymundo and Andres, son David Jimenez, and daughters Maria Elena Jimenez and Josephine Mendez, and son-in-law Jilberto Mendez.

He is survived by 3 daughters Christina Mendez of Thrall, TX, Marcelina Cruz and husband Larry of Flatonia, TX, and Lilia Hundley and husband Jonathan of Taylor, TX, 2 sons Jose Jimenez, Jr. and wife Mary Longoria of Thrall, TX and Reyes Jimenez of Taylor, TX, son-in-law Alex Mendez of Flatonia, TX, 23 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Mendez, Reyes Jimenez, Jr., Larry Cruz, Jr., Isidro A. Yanez, Jr., Isreal E. Yanez and Alex Mendez.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Providence Funeral Home. Celebration of Life Services will be 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Providence Funeral Home. Burial will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Flatonia, TX.