Leo Richard Perez Jr.

Mr. Leo Richard Perez Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2015. He was born August 22, 1921 in New Orleans, La. on Maple Street. He attended the Samuel J. Peter’s School for Boys, upon graduation; he joined the Army and was stationed at Ft. Bliss. He met his lovely wife Josie, in El Paso, prior to his military service during World War II, in which he received an honorary discharge. Despite the loss of his leg during his military service, he became a prominent businessman in the Lower Valley by starting a thriving masonry business which was responsible for much construction in and around El Paso which can still be seen today. He owned Juanito’s Liquor Store which he continued to go to work 6 days a week up until a week before his illness. He is loved and will be missed by many who knew him as Leo, always smiling and willing to tell a story or two. A devoted Cowboys, Saints and Spurs fan. After a week long illness, he went home peacefully with his family by his side. He was greeted by his wife Josefina S. Perez, his mother- Florence Ethel Vining-Perez, his father – Leo Richard Perez, sister – Doris Elaine Mock and brothers- Joseph Earl Perez and John Alan Perez who have been waiting for him to join them. The tears we shed for our lose will soon dry up but the memories of his life will continue to bring us laughter, smiles, hugs, joy, but most of all, make us stronger as a family. He is survived by his sister Frances Lolita Hodgkins of Monroe, La. and his children Marie Villa, John Perez spouse Debbie, Richard Perez spouse Jade, Lily Mijares spouse Jorge, and Eduardo Juarez, spouse Ruth. Grandchildren Virginia Mace spouse Chance, John Perez Jr., Frances Yepez, Alex Perez, Patrick Perez spouse Suzie, Jacqueline Perez, Diana Villa, Richard Perez Jr., Joseph Villa, Shane Perez spouse Kim, Michael Perez, Eduardo Juarez Jr., Michelle Perez, Daniel Mijares, Alyssa Mijares, and Derrick Villa. Great-Grandchildren Alex Escajeda, Scout Mace, Samantha Perez, Jeremy Perez , Shi Villa, Isaac Yepez, Aaron Yepez, Camden Villa, Madison Mace, Vince Escajeda, Krystine Escajeda, Chancie Mace, Christopher Lopez, Daisy Perez, Gavin Perez, Hailey Perez, and Josie Perez. His extended family Al Yepez Jr., Norma Garcia, Roy Argumaniz, Martina and Lucy, Casto Garcia, Alfonso Magallanes, James Pineda, Jose “KiKo” Alvarado, Eloy Hernandez, Luis Jimenez, Elaine Garcia, Armando Sanchez, David Urquidi, Roger Gutierrez and Fred Sunderman. We were all blessed to have had him for the past 93 years and look forward to the day we see him again. A special thank you goes out to the V. A. Doctor Thomas Aguilar, and the staff at William Beaumont and Del Sol Hospital. Visitation will be held on Monday January 19, 2015 from 5-9pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6pm. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at 12pm. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home 1060 Carolina 598-3332.