Luis Leyba

A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday August 25, 2008 at Assumption Catholic Church. The memorial service is schedule for 12:10 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at Assumption Catholic Church for Luis Leyba, 92 of Roswell who passed away on August 21, 2008 at a local care center. Fr. Bill McCann of Assumption Catholic Church will officiate. Luis was cremated according to his wishes.

Luis was born on January 3, 1916 in Mexico to Luis Leyba and Guadalupe Samaniego Leyba. His parents have preceded him in death.

Luis married Elsie Yturralde in Roswell, NM. She precedes him in death. He had four wonderful children from his first wife Leona Molina. He is survived by his children Ester, Lupe, Margie, Martha and Alfred. Luis is survived by his two brothers Joe Albarez, and Billy Albarez: sister Cruz Smokey. He was also survived by eighteen grandchildren; forty-two great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister Socorro Blair; brothers, Pete, Willie, and Reynaldo Albarez.

Luis served his country in the United States army during World War II and received a Purple Heart. He made a military commitment with his family. He served in the military from 1943 to 1945. His son Alfred Leyba served in the USMC from 1953 to 1957. His grandson Louis Leyba U.S. Air Force 1979 to present. His great grandson Edward Leyba and Adrian Leyba will serve in the U.S. Air Force in September 2008 to keep the family military commitment.

Luis enlisted into Reserve Corps from March 8-15 1943. On March 16, 1943 to company G 8th infantry as a light machine gunner. On March 23, 1944 Luis was shipped out to Normandy France. On June 10th 1944 he was shot in his left shoulder. This wound limited the use of his arm for the rest of his life. In 1944 Luis was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, Distinguished Unit and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. He returned back to the United States on August 1, 1945 and discharged on August 8, 1945.

When arrived back in Roswell he met his second wife Elsie Yturralde and married on December 3, 1945. They had no kids together.

He worked as a bartender at the Green Lantern where he met his new boss and lifetime friends Leopoldo Paul and beautiful wife Elisa Pacheco.

Despite his War disability he picked up the game of golf at the age 35. He was well known in the golfing community at given the Title of One Putt Louie for his incredible putting skills. He lived and breathed golf for many years. In 1967 he introduced his grandson Louis Anthony Leyba son of Alfred Leyba to the game by cutting down a set of adults golf clubs to fit a five year old. His grandson became his lifetime golfing partner in many of tournaments over the next twenty years till his grandson joined the Air Force which he is still serving his country.

Luis and his wife Elsie spent the whole life giving and caring for others. Their most important organization was Poor Clare Monastery.

Family will receive family and friends at the VFW on South East Main.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com
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Service

Rosary

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N. Kentucky
Roswell, NM  88201
Monday, August 25, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N. Kentucky
Roswell, NM  88201
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
12:10 p.m.

Cemetery

Memory Lawn Park
2605 E. 19th Street
Roswell, NM  88201