Leon Alphonse Van Holsbeke

Mr. Leon A. Van Holsbeke, 91, of Brownsville, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and friend entered into the glory of his eternal life on Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Solara Hospital in Brownsville, Texas surrounded by his loving family.

Leon began working with horses at the age of 9, with a lifelong friend at the Oliver Estate located near South Bend, Indiana. At the age of 19, he heard of the attack on Pearl Harbor and joined the U. S. Army. After basic training, Leon was assigned to the Quarter Master Corps and began to train horses for remount. Leon quickly proved himself with his knowledge and passion for horses and was recommended for OCS and sent to Ft. Riley, Kansas, where he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. He was transferred to the 124th Cavalry, Ft. Brown, Brownsville, TX.

He met his wife Sunshine of the Pioneer Reed family during this time. They were married 69 years. During his military career, Leon was recruited to work within the Intelligence Community. He was also a member of the U. S. International Equestrian Jumping Team. He traveled with his family throughout the world.

In 1962, after having served over 20 years, Leon retired from the U. S. Army and moved back to Brownsville, where he worked for the Agricultural Research Service until he retired in 1982.

Leon was an avid conservationist, who loved his dog, Radar, and played surrogate parent to duck families in his neighborhood for over forty years. Leon was also an avid Notre Dame fan always ready to cheer on the Fighting Irish. He also frequently served as a chauffeur to his grandchildren.

Leon was a spirited family man and will be missed not only by his family, his wife especially, but also by all of his friends in Brownsville.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and August Van Holsbeke a son, Mark Van Holsbeke one sister and two brothers.

Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of him is his loving wife, Sunshine R. Van Holsbeke his children: Ann Jim Raulston, Leon A. Reggie Kitty Van Holsbeke Jr., and Melissa Van Holsbeke the grandchildren that were the apple of his eye: Jennifer Mitchell Sommer, Leon A. Lisa Van Holsbeke III, Reggie E. Van Holsbeke, Devin A. Van Holsbeke, Sunshine Tutt, Raven Johnson, Marcus and Katherine Van Holsbeke, and their mother, Lupita three greatgrandchildren: Amanda and Sydney Sommer, and Madison Van Holsbeke and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, with the recitation of the holy rosary scheduled for 7:00 Tuesday evening in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at St. Lukes Catholic Church, 2800 Rockwell Drive in Brownsville, TX. Committal services will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park. The American Legion John Hanson Post 43 Funeral Honor Guard under the direction of Commander Raul Leal will conduct military honors at the graveside.

Reggie Earl Van Holsbeke, Devin August Van Holsbeke, Mitchell L. Sommer, Merlin Rasco, Richard Longoria, and Guy Huddleston are honored to be serving as Leons pallbearers.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Service

Rosary

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Tuesday, May 7, 2013


Funeral Mass

St. Luke
2800 Rockwell
Brownsville, TX  78521
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Buena Vista Burial Park
5 McDavitt Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78521