Arturo Leal Espinoza

Arturo Leal Espinoza passed away on January 31, 2022 at the age of 92 years. Arturo was born August 5, 1929 in Del Rio, Texas to Abraham and Micaela Espinoza. Arturo was the fourth eldest of six children. He had two brothers, Raymundo and Abraham. He had three sisters, Elida, Beatriz and Alicia. His parents, brothers and sisters have preceded him in death. His great-grandson, Justin Whipple preceded him in death.

Arturo married Carmen Munoz and they had five children. Arturo, Jr. with Anna Dixon. Armando. Rosario with husband, Paul Nelson. Antonio with wife, Gila. Larry with Lesa Freed. Honorary Daughter and Best Friend, Dana Smith. Arturo is survived by his grandchildren, Nina Costello with her husband, Frank, Angel Espinoza, Chris Espinoza with his wife, Patti, Laurie Melendez with her husband, Eddie, Skylar Nelson, Max and Mia Espinoza, Isabel and Emma Espinoza. He also leaves 11 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He leaves many nephews and nieces. He also leaves his beloved cat, Tom.

Arturo proudly served his country when he joined the United States Air Force. He went to Japan during the occupation and then, to Korea when the war broke out. He was proud when people would stop him and thank him for his service. Yes, he wore a cap that noted he was a veteran. He loved that cap and wore it everywhere. He often shared the story of Marilyn Monroe being there with Bob Hope to entertain the troops and how she sat next to him in the mess hall.

He worked for many years in the dry-cleaning business. He never called out of work one day in his life.  He had an incredible work ethic and instilled this in his children. He loved his many cats and his dog, Cookie. He loved all animals. He loved music and used to play guitar. He loved the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed a good car or truck, but, he also tended to give them away to his family, too, if they were in need. He loved a good breakfast, cat fish, frijoles, and jelly packs. He loved to laugh, he loved to tell jokes, and he loved to fish. He knew the secret of life: family and love are everything. He gave away most of what he owned, but he loved having photos of all of his family around him. The walls of his home were covered in family photos. He was always laughing and happy up until the day he crossed into Heaven.