Leonard Gomez

Leonard Garza Gomez September 28, 1933- October 7, 2015

Leonard Garza Gomez peacefully passed away early morning on Wednesday, October 7th 2015 after a brief illness at Bayshore Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife-Lydia Gomez (1957-1979), Ella T. Gomez (1981-1999) Mother and Stepfather - Aida and Emilio Diaz, Father-Baltazar Gomez Sr., brother-Baltazar Gomez Jr., and most recently, his godson -Tom Gomez Jr.

Leonard is survived by his only daughter, Theresa and her husband James; granddaughter, Jennifer and her husband Matthew and great grandchildren Tyson and Matthew II; grandsons Nicholas and Hunter; along with his favorite nephew, “Mi Tom” Tom Gomez Sr. and wife Rachel and their children; and his very dear friend of 50+ years, Saul Vega and his wife, along with many other relatives and friends.

Leonard joined the United States Air Force in 1952, earning 3 medals for his service while he was stationed at Warren AFB in Wyoming, where he enrolled in the USAF Technical Training School for cooking and became the General’s and Major’s favorite and ultimately, their personal cook by whipping up their favorite, “Huevos Rancheros” along with many other great dishes. He also enrolled in Dental Technology, which would become his life long career. When his military service was complete the General and Major pleaded with him to reenlist, they did not want to lose their best cook on the base, but he wanted to marry Lydia and did so April 27, 1957. He cherished the 22 years of marriage to Lydia until her premature death in 1979, and remarriage to Ella in 1981 until her death in 1999. He began his Dental technology career with Stern Empire Dental Laboratory, retiring after 35+ years of service in 1995. After retiring he lived with his daughter for sixteen years until he could no longer drive and in August 2011 moved into Pine Tree Assisted Living in Pasadena Texas. He enjoyed his time there, always meeting new people and along with his VA buddies talking war stories; there was never a repeat story, these veterans always had new stories to tell; and of course, all of them constantly flirting with the nurses. Shortly after celebrating his 82 ^nd birthday on Monday September 28, he became ill on October 1 and was admitted to Bayshore Medical Center where he would eventually succumb on October 7, with his Theresa by his side.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2015 from 4pm to 8pm with a Rosary being recited at 6pm at The Compean Funeral Home Family Chapel. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 10am at Immaculate Hearth of Mary Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in Houston National Cemetery with full Military Honors.