Claro Villalobos Deleon

1925 - 2019

CLARO VILLALOBOS DELEON
September 20, 1925 - January 5, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of another one from the greatest generation. Claro Villalobos DeLeon was born in Peoria Arizona to Juan DeLeon and Josefa DeLeon on Sept. 20,1925. He passed away on January 5, 2019 after a short battle with cancer, with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, infant daughter Guadalupe DeLeon, and siblings Maurilia Bernal, Cecilia Soto, Dolores DeLeon, Trinidad DeLeon, Juan DeLeon, and Refugio DeLeon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Herminia DeLeon. Sisters Guadalupe Hernandez and Margarita DeLeon. His children Josie Sanchez (Frank), Henry DeLeon (Maricela), Michael DeLeon (Maria), David DeLeon, Ruben DeLeon (Nilda). His grandchildren Candice Sanchez, Christopher Sanchez, Ashley Cazares (Daniel), Nick DeLeon (Dolores), Jennifer Rodriquez (Ariel), Eric DeLeon (Yesenia), Crystal DeLeon (Benny), Antonio DeLeon, Alyanna DeLeon, Xavier DeLeon (Demi), Zander DeLeon, Kaia DeLeon, Alyssa, Isabel and Krystal Noriega and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Claro was inducted into the US Army on March 21, 1944 and served as a medic with the medical detachment 422 infantry, 106th division. His unit served in France, Belgium and Germany. He was tasked with evacuating the wounded from the lines to rear areas and with treating their wounds. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern ribbon, good conduct medal and victory medal. He was honorably discharged on May 13, 1946.

After he and his brothers Juan and Refugio were discharged from service, the family moved from Litchfield Park, Arizona to the DiGiorgio labor camp to work the farms. They eventually settled in Lamont, Ca. He worked in farming all of his life and retired after working as a supervisor for the William Mosesian Corp. for 27 years.

Claro was a hardworking man who loved and devoted his life to his family. He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's sporting events. He was an Avid LA Dodgers fan and enjoyed listening to Vin Scully describe the action on the field. He had the time of his life when he traveled to Washington DC as part of the Honor Flight as he was a proud veteran. He also enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden.

Pallbearers are Nick DeLeon, Eric DeLeon, Xavier DeLeon, Zander DeLeon, Antonio DeLeon and Christopher Sanchez.

A special thanks to his daughter in law Maria for her help in caring for him and the nurses at Adventist Health Hospital, Tony in ER, Jill and Alyssa in ICU, as well as lain Gallego, FNP.

Visitation is from 4-8 pm Thursday January 17th at Greenlawn Mortuary Southwest, rosary recital is from 7:00-7:45 pm. Mass and funeral procession will start at 10:00 am Friday January 18th at St. Augustine Church in Lamont.