Baltazar De Leon, Jr., affectionately known as Tatay, passed away at the age of 91 on November 29, 2023 at a hospital surrounded by his oldest son Bobby Deleon.

He was born and raised in Mission, Texas to his parents Maria Alvarez De Leon and Baltazar De Leon, Sr. on March 25, 1932 and graduated from Mission High School. He served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960 and rose up to SP4 E4 before being honorably discharged. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 364 and the VFW Post 2397. Baltazar continued to serve his county by volunteering to be a Rifleman in the Honor Guard for the American Legion. He wanted to make sure all fellow veterans get a 21 Gun Salute when buried.

Baltazar had been battling and was recovering from a stroke that he had back in August. He was recovering great and enjoyed going to physical therapy, but over the holidays visiting family, friends, grandchildren and great grandchildren he had to be taken to the hospital again. He never came back out. The void left by his beloved wife Bellanira De Leon and son Alberto De Leon who preceded him in death was hard for Baltazar. He was filled with the love and joy of traveling to see family. His role as a grandfather, was one he cherished deeply, leaving behind a legacy of love and wisdom for his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Baltazar loved children and enjoyed the time he spent every month with his grandkids and great grandkids and weekly visits from Bobby's godson.

Baltazar De Leon, Jr. is preceded in death by his beloved wife Bellanira De Leon; son Alberto De Leon; his parents; and brothers: Oscar (Betty+) De Leon, Jose Armando (Lupita+) De Leon, Usvaldo (Katherine+) De Leon, Hipolito (Gloria) De Leon, Arturo (Janie) De Leon.

Left to cherish his memories are his children; Bobby De Leon, Brent (Sandy) De Leon, Baltazar (Belinda) De Leon, III; Grandkids: Brent (Courtney) De Leon, Jr., Benjamin De Leon, Albert De Leon, Jr., Matthew (Jessica) Garza, Elizabeth Smith, Jessica Smith, Mayabelle Romo; great-grandkids: Kimberly Smith, Aaryln Smith, Amber Smith, Benson Smith, Aubrey Smith, Greyson Smith, Devon De Leon, Malakai Baltazar DeLeon, Timothy Garza; brother Arnaldo (Vicky+) De Leon, and sister Alicia Maria De Leon (Homer+) Mendiola; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved.

Baltazar De Leon, Jr. will be terribly missed never forgotten but loved forever.

Public visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Guardian funeral home chapel with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic church.

Burial will follow with full military honors at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.