Juan V. DeLeon

Juan V. DeLeon, 83, of San Antonio, Texas, having lived a life marked by devotion to his family, service to his country and a love for simple joys, entered peacefully into eternal rest on September 6, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Patsy Ann DeLeon, twin daughters Mariana and Concepcion DeLeon, father Lauro DeLeon, Mother Concha DeLeon, and brother Alberto DeLeon. He is survived by daughter Barbara Ann Romero; son-in-law Hector Romero; granddaughters Marianna C. Jones (SSgt. Nathaniel Jones, active USAF) and Isabela A. Romero; great grandson Leonardo Santiago Jones; sisters Oralia (Walter+) Rodriguez, Carmen (Jesse) Tello, Julia (Thomas+) David, Juanita (Thomas+) Frasier; brothers Lauro (Aurora) DeLeon, Jr., Jose (Susana) DeLeon, Alfonso (Mary) DeLeon, Ruben DeLeon, Robert (Connie) DeLeon, Rudy (Rosie) DeLeon and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, neighbors and friends.
Juan was born on May 11, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, to Lauro and Concha DeLeon. Growing up on the Westside of the city, his ten siblings relied on him as a source of guidance and support, even into their adulthood. He attended Lanier High School and joined the United States Air Force in 1961. Upon his return from being stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Juan met the love of his life when keeping a promise to his fellow airman Raymond, who asked him to pay a visit to his mother on his behalf. On that day, when Juan knocked on the door of the Najera household, Patsy answered, and the rest is history. A romance ensued and Juan and Patsy were married in January of 1966. They were married for 56 years and had three beautiful daughters, two granddaughters, whom they adored, and one great-grandson.
Juan's life was a testament to his loving, kind and selfless nature. His military training was evident in the way he lived - meticulously organized with strict attention to detail. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Juan carried the discipline of military training into a life-long career in civil service. He worked for many years at Kelly Air Force Base as a hydraulic mechanic, before moving to Midwest City, Oklahoma, where he retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 2004. His dedication to excellence was evident in his trade, but even more so in his roles as husband, father, grandfather and great grandpa.
As a husband, Juan cherished Patsy, proving his love daily in small gestures that showed how much he cared. After losing twin daughters in their infancy, he poured his love three-fold into the rearing of his youngest, Barbara. He was a protective, thoughtful and lighthearted dad, delighting his daughter with magic tricks, daily surprises and wisdom about life and the world. This loving dedication only flourished with the birth of his granddaughters. Having retired, Juan was free to devote his time to help raise them along with Patsy. From cooking meals, to teaching them to drive and attending school events, Juan won the adoration of his grandchildren, who in his last days were integral in his daily care, along with their parents.
Juan was a man of simple pleasures. He loved to read the daily newspaper, drink coffee, solve Sudoku puzzles, watch westerns and root for the Spurs. His story is not just one of the years he lived, but of the lives he touched. He will be dearly missed. The warmth of his humble spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him. As we bid farewell, we do so with fond memories and gratitude for the time we shared and the lessons he taught through his example of unwavering love and kindness.