Obituary of Jose Antonio Leal Sr.

Joe A. Leal Sr.,80, of Lovington, New Mexico passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on April 21, 2025. Joe was born to Antonio Leal and Herminia Betancourt on November 9, 1944 in Robstown, Texas. Joe met his wife Mary in grade school and later got married on August 15, 1962 in Plainview, Texas and later moved to Chicago. Where he worked for a factory called "Flick Reedy". They moved to Lovington, New Mexico in 1970 where they raised their four children. Joe worked for Texico Oil Company for over 30 years. He was very well known around town and had many friends. Joe's hobbies include camping, hunting, fishing, arrow head hunting going to the casino and his biggest passion was barbequing for the family. He loved to be outside, and he enjoyed music and dancing. Joe had a big heart and loved to help anyone who needed it. He is survived by his loving wife: Mary Leal of 62 years of Lovington, New Mexico; two sons: Joe A Leal Jr. and wife Melony of Hobbs, New Mexico and Steven Leal of Lovington, New Mexico; one daughter: Lisa and husband Joe D. Gomez of Lovington, New Mexico; nine grandchildren: Shyra and husband Eric Gutierrez, Zane Stewart, Calee and husband Ricardo Blanco, D'Marcus, Francheska and husband CJ Hendrickson, Semoree and Jadin, Ayden, Wyatt, and Demarcus Thompson; nine great-grandchildren: Dominic, Dondre, Nano, Judith, Elijiah, Gionni, Scarlett, Joseph and Hazel; two sisters: Maria Olivarez and husband Eliberto and Minerva De Los Santos and husband Sonny; one brother: Roy Betancourt and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Antonio Leal and Herminia Bentacourt; one son: Robert Leal and several brothers. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Father Samuel Ameh officiating. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 3:00 pm until after Rosay. Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and their nurses Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.