Leonel "Leo" Longoria

Edinburg - Leonel "Leo" Longoria passed away on September 4, 2024, after a battle with congestive heart failure just shy of his 90th birthday. The world has lost a beautiful soul; the family, their patriarch, husband, and father.

Leo was born in Mission, Texas on September 20, 1934. He would spend most of his life in Edinburg, Texas where he met his high school sweetheart Mary Lydia Garcia. The two would go on to marry and celebrate 68 years and 11 months of marriage together.

Leo led an amazing, full life. Leo was fortunate enough to spend his life doing what he loved for a living. He was a real cowboy. His love for the cattle business started at a very young age. Starting with nothing did not stop or deter Leo from working hard to amass a cattle/ranching business, and become one of the primary cattle brokers in South Texas during the 70's and 80's. He was also the manager of the L & G Cattle Exchange in Edinburg for many years. During his years as manager there, he mentored many younger cattle buyers in the art of cattle brokerage. During his tenure as manager at L &G Cattle Exchange, Leo was super proud and excited to help with the annual Cattleman's Round-Up events which were held yearly and raised funds for disabled children in South Texas by donating to the Ada Wilson Children's center. Leo also was a farmer. He planted and harvested many a grain and cotton crop over the years, somehow managing to make a living farming dry land. He is a legend in the South Texas cattle and ranching community, even gracing the Pearl Brewery Calendar with a typical cowboy portrait.

Leo took great pride in his family. Surrounded by women, he set high goals for his sisters who were much younger than he, and his daughters, demanding that they educate themselves. He made sure to provide all four of them the means for every educational opportunity that presented itself. He wanted to make sure that they were strong and independent.

If you knew Leo, you knew one of his favorite things to do was to go to Vegas. Over the years he and Mary would spend many great times there with family and friends. In his later years, enjoying his family became everything. The family got together often to have dinners and celebrate each other. Leo was a great patriarch!

Leo is survived by his wife, Mary Lydia Longoria; his sister, Thelma Salinas; his daughters, Norma Longoria and Nora (Alfred Denham) Longoria; his sister-in-law, Dolores Campbell. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Lucas (Iris Garza) Acosta and Matthew (Ari Castillo) Acosta; and four great- grandchildren, Neveah, Michael, Lucas II, and Lucille. Leo also leaves behind his nieces and nephews and many other relatives whom he loved dearly.

He is predeceased by his parents, Lucas and Maria Longoria; his sister, Yolanda Vasquez; and a spoiled Boston Terrier named Dorado.

The family would like to recognize and thank the staff and physicians at McAllen Heart Hospital for their extraordinary professionalism and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Padulla, Dr. Levine, Dr. Kadour-Rodriguez, ICU RN Michael B., ICU RN Dahlia, and ICU RN Karem for their exceptional care and compassion. The family would also like to thank all the amazing friends and family who have surrounded them with love and prayers as they watch their cowboy ride away.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a 6 p.m. rosary, Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg.

Pallbearers are Lucas Acosta, Matthew Acosta, Alfred Denham, Joel Galvan, Chris Vasquez and Gilbert Leo Vasquez. Honorary pallbearers are George Gomez, Alfredo Longoria, Orlando Salinas, Trey Salinas, and Pete Vasquez.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.