Rev. Ed de Leon, OMI, born in Harlingen, Texas on September 14, 1953, died at Oblate Madonna Residence in San Antonio, Texas on February 22, 2017, at the age of 63 years.

Fr. de Leon professed his first vows as a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in August 1975. He was ordained on August 15, 1980 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Harlingen, Texas by Bishop Raymond Peña, D.D.

After ordination, Fr. de Leon was assigned to Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville, Texas as Assistant Pastor. He went on to teach at St. Anthony's Seminary where he was involved as Vocation Director and a member of the Formation Team. He served as Parochial Vicar at Holy Family in Corpus Christi, Texas and later was Director of the Shrine in San Juan, Texas for many years. He used his expertise in technology as webmaster at Oblate Missions and served in various capacities at Oblate Renewal Center, Oblate School of Theology, as well as Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois. Fr. de Leon served as Pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Midland, Texas until July, 2011.

He was an Executive Board Member of the National Religious Vocation Conference in Chicago for two years and Chaplain to the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano. Fr. de Leon served as superior in many districts throughout Texas. He always seized the opportunity to deepen and strengthen communal spirit of Oblate brotherhood.  Being proficient in several languages, he gained a following on social media with his spiritual and enlightening reflections that reached many people.

In addition to his Oblate family, Fr. de Leon is survived by his brothers, Jesse de León, Jr. (Clementina); Jose de León (Gloria); and sisters, Dora de Leon-Garcia (Frank); Connie Colmenero (Orlando); Rosie de Leon-McCrady (Phillip); and Teresa Kreger (Philip). He was preceded in death by his parents, Dionicia and Jesus de León, Sr. and brother Amador de León. Fr. de Leon will be remembered with respect and esteem by his Oblate brothers and all the people who were recipients of his pastoral care.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Chapel at 285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, Texas, 78216. A Vigil service and Rosary will be held on February 24, 2017, at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on February 25, 2017, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Oblate Cemetery.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 327 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216.