Manuel Garcia De Leon

Manuel De Leon, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Universal City, Texas, accompanied by the love of his gathered family. He went home to dwell in the house of our Heavenly Father at the blessed age of 96.

Manuel was born to parents Moises and Mercedes (Garcia) De Leon on August 12, 1929, in Zuehl, Texas. He proudly served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He married Esperanza “Hope” Cantu and together they made their home in Universal City and had three daughters and a son. Following his military service, he worked for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service at Randolph Air Force Base & Lackland Air Force Base. Manuel enjoyed fishing, watching baseball (especially the Texas Rangers & Houston Astros), and TV game shows. A lifelong Catholic, Manuel had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and an active practice of prayer. One of his most-used sayings was “Gracias a Dios” –Thanks be to God.

Manuel is survived by his three daughters, Lillian Oswalt (Ron), Mary Oswalt (Don), and Linda Hall (Brian); son, Manuel, Jr.; seven grandchildren and over ten great-grandchildren; and siblings Consuelo “Chelo” Pena, Ana Medina, Amada “Amy” Camarillo, Jesse De Leon (Judy).

Manuel was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Hope; his father and mother; his sisters, Minerva Arispe, Dora Tamez, and Elisa Gonzalez; and two brothers, who passed away in their infancy.

Manuel’s generous heart and lively spirit touched everyone he met. He leaves a legacy of strength and love to the great circle of family and friends who mourn his passing from this world and give thanks for times shared together.

The family will receive visitors during the viewing at Schertz Funeral Home between 5-7 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Together, we will pray the Holy Rosary at 7 pm, led by Rev. Deacon Gabe Becerra.

At 10 am, Monday, November 24, 2025, the funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Father Marcin Czyz at St Helena Catholic Church, 14714 Edgemont Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78247. Graveside service and interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78266. Your presence is both a gift and a consolation.

The family extends their gratitude to the dedicated doctors and nurses at the Veterans Administration Home-Based Health Care Unit and the Medicare Hospice Team who delivered expert, compassionate care to him during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Meals on Wheels San Antonio, who ensure that vulnerable seniors are not forgotten. For more on their mission and community impact, or to volunteer or make a gift in honor of Manuel De Leon, visit www.mowsatx.org.