Leonardo V. Camarillo

Leonardo V. Camarillo, 81, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at University Hospital in San Antonio.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Julia Camarillo; and four siblings, Aurora Garcia, Juana Cano, Irene Medrano, and Ruben Camarillo.
Mr. Camarillo is survived by his wife, Diana S. Camarillo; three daughters, Norma Linda (Michael) Castillo, Sylvia Camarillo-Gomez, all of Edinburg, Delia C. Gaona ; a son, Leonardo (Tracey) Camarillo, Jr. of San Antonio; 11 grandchildren; Mark, Michael, Jaclyn, and Matthew Castillo; Jorge Luis Gomez II; Isaiah, Celeste and Darryl Gaona; Shia, Liela and Kaya Camarillo; two sisters, Elva Richie of Pharr and Ofelia Pecina of Edinburg; and a brother, Arturo Camarillo of Edinburg.
Mr. Camarillo was a lifelong dedicated public servant. Early in life, he served in the U.S. Army in company D 2nd Armed Rifle Battalion 48th Infantry and traveled Europe as an accomplished marksman. He returned to the states and was deployed to serve in the 49th Armor Division.
He was elected to three terms as Hidalgo County Commission, representing Precinct 4. Honored by his colleagues, he was selected as President of the South Texas County Judges and Commission Association, an organization encompassing 72 South Texas Counties.
He was appointed by Governor Mark White to serve on the State Job Training council. He oversaw the statewide management of 300 million dollars for the Job Training Partnership Act.
He was an active member of the Rio Grande Valley Development Counsel, serving three terms as President of the Board. Additionally, he served in the Hidalgo County Extension Service, Hidalgo County Farm Bureau, and the Edinburg Co-Op.
For the past 37 years he has been a proud board member of the North Alamo Water Supply Corporation. This organization has helped bring water service to millions of residents in Hidalgo County. Always dedicated to the growth of the Delta Area, Mr. Camarillo also worked for the City of Elsa, as city manager for 3 years.
Leonardo was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. His loved his family and always provided unconditional support. He made it a daily ritual to call his children and say, “I just wanted you to know that I love you” or ask the question, “Why are you so precious?” He truly enjoyed barbequing hamburgers and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed taking trips with the family and was happiest when surrounded by all of his children and grandchildren. He was a role model and leader forever instilling in his children to follow in God’s path. He was a humble and simple family man that loved the Lord and cherished his blessings. He took tremendous pride in having put his four children through college. He taught his family to always be loving and kind to each other, to be respectful and honorable. He demanded we conduct ourselves as leaders, and to always be giving and generous of our time and life. Dad is leaving the world with a great legacy for his children and grandchildren to continue.
Leonardo was a local farmer for over 50 years of his life. He took incredible pride in farming his crops, but also using his example to help others within the industry. He felt it important to take the problems of the people to the legislature, and continually worked to help locals combat decreased commodity prices.
As a devout Catholic, he rejoiced in reciting the rosary for ill or deceased people. Known for his strong and projecting voice in prayer, Dad was in high demand and revered in the community to help spread God’s word and healing through the rosary.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary Friday, November 18, 2016, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen,
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.