RITCHEA-GONZALES FUNERAL HOME
Family Owned & Operated Since 1978
Leonel Fernandez Sr.
Leonel Fernandez Sr. was born on November 23rd,1930 to Apolonia Flores and Sixto Fernandez Guajardo. He came to this country at 15 years old to start a new life and to help support his widowed mother. At a very young age Leonel was ambitious and hungry to succeed. His passion for cooking landed his jobs in restaurants, hotels and country clubs in different parts of the country for many years. Leo was a perfectionist in the kitchen, so anyone having one of his meals knew to expect something delicious.
After many years as a chef, he decided to try entering the insurance business. He knew it was a gamble, as his limited education could possibly be an issue. He put his faith in God and went on to become one of the top salesmen for AAL, now Thrivent. He continuously made the Presidents' Cabinet, reserved for top salesmen. While still in the insurance business, he ventured into the restaurant business once more. He purchased an existing steak house in Mathis, Texas called the Red Barn Steakhouse. He and his family continued the tradition of serving some of the finest steaks in the region for many years.
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At the age of 23, he married the love of his life, Rafaela Villarreal. They celebrated 71 years of marriage last September. They had six wonderful children that completed their family.
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Leonel is survived by his wife, Rafaela, daughter, Alma Fernandez, daughter, Grace (Steven) Yoakum, son, Leonel Fernandez, Jr., daughter, Linda (Brian) Falls and Elizabeth (Raymond) Cavazos. Leo was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 12 precious great grandchildren. Leo is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Sara Lee Fernandez.
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Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, January 19, 2025 at St. Mary's Cemetery in Bayside.
