Severo Leija

Our Heavenly Father welcomed home his son, Severo Vazques Leija, affectionately known as "Papi", 90, of Kerrville and formerly of Hale Center, on Sunday, July 5, 2015. Visitation will be from 10 am until evening services at 6 pm Wednesday, July 8, 2015, in the Family Center at Abell Funeral Home, Hale Center. Rev. Elias Moralez will officiate. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, July 9, 2015, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church with Rev. John Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Hale Center Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Hale Center, TX. Papi was born February 1, 1925 in Sabinas, Coahuila, Mexico. He married Maria Jara on February 14 in Orange County, TX and they moved to Hale County in 1960 and into Hale Center in 1970. He retired from Hale Center Feed yard after several years of dedicated service. Papi was known for putting his children and grand children first and sacrificing self to insure they were taken care of. He was the Patriarch for his grand kids and a jack of all trades. He had a big heart and always had a place to lay your head or room for one more at his table for anyone who needed it. He loved his Big Red and bean burrito from Taco Casa (there will be plenty in heaven!). He left a legacy of charity, humbleness and strong work ethics. He was non-denominational by faith. He wanted to return to Hale Center for burial because this was where he always considered home. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Maria J. Leija, sons, Ramon Leija, Alvaro Leija, Roberto Leija, John Leija, Mateo Leija, Severo Leija, Jr., David Leija, Celestino Leija and Joe Leija daughters, Sylvia Hidalgo, Mary Garza, Maria de Pilar Leija, Inez Leija and Leticia Leija, 48 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren an many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eligio and Tomasa Leija, beloved son, Eligio and daughter-in-law, Maria de Jesus, brothers, Severo Leija, Encamoaion Leija and Jose Leija, sisters, Maria Leija and Maria de Jesus Leija and beloved great grandson, Angelo Quinn.