David Thomas Leyva

1926 - 2014

David Thomas Leyva
December 29, 1926 ~ May 7, 2014
Resident of San Jose
David Thomas Leyva entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the age of 87 surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Jean. He is survived by his two younger siblings, Connie Karnes and Richard Leyva (Jan), his seven children David Leyva (Barbara), Donald Leyva, Douglas Leyva, Danette Wright, Denis Leyva (Rhonda), Darby Leyva and Dominique Leyva Willis (Joe). He is predeceased by his two sons Thomas and Damion and his two older siblings Frank Leyva and Jesse Soliz. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Dave was born at home to Dominga and Juan Jose Leyva on December 29, 1926 in the small mining town of New Idria in San Benito County. As a young child, his parents moved to San Jose. During the Great Depression, his mother went to work to support her family so Dave and his siblings attended Saint Elizabeth's Day Home, run by the Sisters of the Holy Family. It was here that he met his future bride and love of his life, Jean Beebe. He attended Saint Joseph's Grammar School and San Jose High. In his Junior year, as a member of the Greatest Generation, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country during World War II both stateside and in Japan. Upon his return, Dave joined the California Army National Guard's Military Police Unit where he continued to serve for the next 40 years, the majority as a First Sergeant.
Dave worked as a truck driver for Walkup-Merchants and although the company changed owners twice he was a dedicated employee for over 40 years. He volunteered weekly at Martha's Kitchen for almost 20 years and was a member of American Legion Post 99. Dave will be remembered for his love of family, his kindness to friends, his life of service to others and his joyful personality.
Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Friday, May 30, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at LIMA-CAMPAGNA-ALAMEDA MISSION CHAPEL, 600 S. Second Street, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory may be made to Martha's Kitchen, 311 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95110 or American Legion Post 99, 1344 Dell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008.