Leonel "Leo" Rios

Leonel “Leo” Rios, Sr. passed away August 9, 2021 at the age of 87. He was born October 15, 1933 in Santa Gertrudis Ranch, Kingsville, Texas to Fernando and Carolina Rios. As a toddler they moved to Gregory, Texas. He was a graduate of Gregory High School. On September 20, 1953 he married Margarita Galindo from Taft, Texas and then raised 8 children.

Leo was a member of the Gregory – Portland ISD school board when the high school and football stadium were built.

Leo was the owner and operator of International Electronics in Corpus Christi, Texas. Prior to that he was a purchasing agent and manager at Sherman Electronics, Douglas Electronics, Wicks Electronics, and Leaders Electronics all in Corpus Christi, Texas.

For several decades Leonel Sr. often served as a Master of Ceremonies for weddings and quinceaneras.

He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Gregory, Texas since childhood.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Domingo Rios; and grandsons Jonathan Rios and Leonel “Leo” Rios III.

He is survived by his wife Margarita and children, Leonel Rios, Jr. (Mary), Diana Owens (Jerry), Gracie Cantu, Jake Rios (Marie), Raquel Rios, Celia Rios, Victoria Castillo (Rick), and Ben Rios; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Reyna, Mike Torencio, Jeremy Justice, Matthew McLennan, Steve Cantu and Josh Cantu.