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Joe L. Leija

joe leija

August 28, 1949 ~ January 24, 2026

Born in: Mereta, Texas
Resided in: San Antonio, Texas

Joe L. Leija, a loving and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on August 28, 1949, in Mereta, Texas, and lived a life defined by service, faith, generosity, and unconditional love for others.
Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, a commitment that reflected his deep sense of duty and integrity. Following his military service, he continued to serve others through his career as an employee of the United States Government in Administration. A man of strong Christian faith, Joe lived his beliefs daily through kindness, humility, and compassion, and an unwavering trust in God.
Joe had a true artist’s soul and found great joy in painting, using his creativity as a form of expression and reflection. One of the most defining aspects of his life was his heart for children—he adopted several young men throughout his lifetime, earning him the affectionate nickname “Father Abraham.” His home and heart were always open, and he gave selflessly to anyone in need. Joe was known for his great sense of humor, his willingness to help without hesitation, and his unwavering love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benito Leija and Josefina Morales, brothers Alex leija, Joe Leija, Juan Leija, Sr., Joseph Mendoza; as well as his beloved fur baby, Marco.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of over thirty-seven years, Maria G. Leija; his daughters, Vanessa Padron (CJ) and Alyssa Rodriguez (Pedro); his surviving siblings, Rosie Leija, Lupe Leija, Liz Leija, Janie Luna, Victoria Mendoza, and Larry Covarrubias; along with numerous extended family members and friends who were blessed by his presence.
Joe was a proud and loving grandfather to Alina M., Cristelo P., Elijah P., Aniah R., Nathaniel R., and Mia R., each of whom brought him immense joy and purpose.
Joe L. Leija will be remembered as a man of faith, service, and profound love—a true patriarch whose legacy lives on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all that knew him.

Services

Visitation: February 10, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Room: Chapel

MeadowLawn Funeral Home
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX United States

78220
www.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com

Funeral Service: February 11, 2026 11:00 am

Room: Chapel

MeadowLawn Funeral Home
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX United States

78220
www.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com

Graveside with Military Honors: February 11, 2026 1:00 pm

Room: Pavilion #1

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
San Antonio, TX United States

78209

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. CandleImageMy heart aches for you Vanessa, your Mom, my nephews, niece Alina, my brother, your Sister and the whole family. Sending all my love and prayers during this difficult time. Your dad was an amazing grandpa, father-in-law to my brother and friend to us. I loved seeing this picture of him smiling because this is how I remember him laughing when David would talk to him. I’ll always remember your dad for being such a kind man to our family. He was even at our wedding. Memories we will always treasure. David, me and the girls send our deepest condolences 💐 We love you all

  2. CandleImageWith a Heavy Heart, my most heartfelt condolences. I know we didn’t meet much, but during the time we did it was always a Pleasure. I know you liked my banana Bread and I’m glad you did. Gonna miss the phone chats we had, but I knew you were a Good listener, cuz you understood.
    Guess we can’t meet for lunch, but when we meet again, it will be with our Heavenly Father. Farewell my Friend n Brother. Go in Peace and walk in hand with Jesus to meet with our heavenly Father.
    Thank you, for taking care of the Grandkids, when I wasn’t able to. I have a Friend, his name is Jesus he will meet you in Heaven. Amen 🙏✝️

  3. CandleImageMy Heart felt Condolences, to the Family of Joe Leija. I always joke about he being a boxer, but he took it in stride. Gonna miss chatting with him, when he could and Gonna miss making him Banana Nut Bread, I know he liked my Recipe. Joe was a good listener and understood the hardships of Life. He was there for my Grandkids, when I wasn’t able to. When I did visit he was always very welcoming. He even met my Good Friend Juan, who was also quite fond of him for his warm demeanor. and a follower of Christ. May he take the had of Jesus and meet with the Father in Heaven. Your Friend n Brother in Christ. Amen🙏✝️ Cristelo P

  4. CandleImageMy sincere and heartfelt condolences to Maria, children, family and friends! I’ve known Joe and family since my first day I moved across the street! Joe I will cherish the talks and your kind heart for helping me through out the years! You and Maria are the best neighbors I have known and thank you for being there for me! May you be at rest now and peace in our Heavenly Kingdom with your loved ones who welcome your reunion. May perpetual light shine upon you and rest in peace!

  5. Sister Leija, Vanessa, Alyssa, my family will always remember brother Joe, that infectious smile and laugh, his sincere friendship, and the man God used to make us feel part of his family. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Love you all.
    Linda Salazar

  6. CandleImageYour family has been in my thoughts and prayers. Vanessa and Alyssa I never met your dad, but I know that we are all a reflection of our parents. You both have such beautiful souls and I am 100% sure that your dad had something to do with that. A new normal will start, and although he may not physically be here with you, he will live in your heart and mind forever. I wish you both and your mom a peace that surpasses all understanding and that can only come from God during this difficult time.

  7. CandleImageMy heart feels an overwhelming sense of loss with your departure from this world, yet it overflows with gratitude for the time we shared. The memories we’ve created will forever be etched in my heart, a lasting testament to your love and dedication. You faithfully fulfilled the divine assignment God entrusted to you during your time on earth. I’m eternally thankful for the ways you shared God’s love, grace, and forgiveness with me, and for the profound impact your words about salvation had on my life, leading me to surrender to the Lord. I’ll deeply miss our weekly conversations and cherished moments we shared, but I’m celebrating the legacy you’ve left behind as a faithful servant who ran the race with perseverance. Your work may be done here, Joe, but your impact will live on; you’ve earned a glorious new life and a heavenly mansion free from pain and suffering. Until we meet again, brother, know that you’ll forever be in my heart and prayers. I love you and will miss you dearly, Your baby sister Victoria Mendoza

  8. CandleImageJoe, I know we never met in person, but the love and joy you had in your heart made me feel like we had been friends forever. The laughs we had are memories that I will never forget and I’m thankful to have known you. Your legacy will continue through your family and friends and I know that Jesus greeted you with open arms. I know you heard “Well done though good and faithful servant” when you entered God’s Kingdom. I look forward to the day we will be together in Heaven.


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