Richard A. Leyendecker

RICHARD A. “DICK” LEYENDECKER

AUGUST 8, 1923-JANUARY 29, 2016

Richard A. “Dick “Leyendecker passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016 at the age of 92.

Born to one of Laredo’s leading pioneer families, dick was the son of Peter P. Leyendecker Jr. and Emma Jordan Leyendecker.

Dick as he was called, was predeceased by his beloved wife Blanche Flores Leyendecker in 1966. Also preceding him in death were his brothers Peter, Sammy, Albert, Frank & his sister Emily Ann. he was also preceded by his second wife, Joemma Dacamara.

Dick attended St. Peter’s Memorial School, Martin High School and Texas A&M University until he enlisted and was sworn into the United States Army Air Corp during WWII at the age of 19. He was assigned to the 14th headquarters of the 301, heavy bomber group, 15th air force with orders for duty to the European Theater.

Flying missions in support of the Normandy invasion, he was shot down on August 7, 1944 and was declared missing in action. Subsequently Army Intelligence learned he survived the crash landing in the B-17 bomber & was captured by German forces. He was taken to a German prisoner of war camp, Stalag Luft 4 in Pomerania, Prussia & was later moved to another POW camp, Stalag Wobblein Ludwigslust. He endured POW camp for almost a year before the advancing American armies liberated him & his fellow POW’s.

As a result of his heroism, and what he endured as a prisoner of war and as a soldier, he received the Prisoner of War Medal, along with the European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 4 bronze stars, the WWII Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Medal, the Air Combat Balkins letter , and expert medal with the 45 caliber automatic pistol. He was also issued the WWII lapel button.

Never one to complain or talk about his war experiences, Dick was proud of serving his country and was a proud soldier and honorable veteran. Dick was proud that all 6 brothers had served their country and returned to call Laredo home.

Upon his return to Laredo after the war, he enrolled again at Texas A&M where he studied in Civil Engineering. In 1949 he married Blanche Flores and they had 4 sons. He worked in the family business at the City Lumber Company for many years with several of his brothers. In the early 1960’s he joined his father in the construction business, Peter P.  Leyendecker, Contractor. The company eventually evolved into R.A. Leyendecker, Contractor.

In 1980, along with two of his sons Gary & Mark, Leyendecker Construction, Inc., was founded. In the late 90’s, Paul, another son, also joined the company. Dick was extremely proud & grateful of the staff & employees and all of the accomplishments of the company in the last 30 years. He remained active in the company until very late in his life.

He is survived by his beloved sons, Richard (Sylvia), Gary (Mary Lamar), Paul (Lori), Mark (Veronica) and his beloved brother Gilbert “Bibi” Leyendecker, along with his grandchildren, Jennifer, Katie and Sarah Leyendecker.

Also surviving him are his much loved nieces, Veronica Boldt and Bidi Leyendecker along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends who cared for him throughout his life. His heart held a very special place for the caring and dedicated members of the Leyendecker construction staff whom he cared for deeply.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa and Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa for the care, support and understanding of their father during his time of need. Thanks also to Jorge, Mario & Tere who helped to support him during his time of need.

The family will receive condolences on Monday, February 1, 2016 from 5pm to 9 pm at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel 1410 Jacaman Rd; a rosary will be cited at 7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  The family invites you to meet at the church as there will be no procession from the funeral home.

Rite of Committal and Interment with Military Honors will follow at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the services will be sons: Richard, Gary, Paul & Mark, Jerome Jordan & Jay Leyendecker, Cliff Killam and David Killam Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Bibi Leyendecker, Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa, J.D. Wendeborn & Donato Ramos Sr.

You may extend your condolences to the family online at:  www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to: American Legion Post 59 Restoration Project PO box 1535 Laredo TX. 78042-1534

Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956.722.8850