Leon Oebel

Leon Carroll Oebel, 84, of Robstown, Texas passed away on August 22, 2024, after a wonderful and fulfilling life. He was born in San Antonio to Cleo Johnny Oebel and Lugene Mary Jackson Oebel on March 30, 1940. Leon was the oldest of 5 children, his siblings were Frank Oebel and Darrell Oebel who along with their parents preceded him in death. He was also the proud big brother to his sisters, Emma Becka and Patsy Parker. Leon was first married to Marilyn Sheffield Oebel and had 3 children, Carol Oebel married to Maureen Ferriter, Denise Haeussler married to Tom Haeussler, and Wesley Oebel married to Heather Oebel. Leon then married his sweetheart of 44 years Priscilla Walcher Oebel in 1980. Priscilla had two children of her own, Kyle Downing married to Phillip Hall and Kirsten Martin who preceded Leon in death. Leon has 10 grandchildren, Chris Martinez, Erika Tijerina married to Chris Tijerina, Hannah Haeussler, Emma Haeussler, Sarah Haeussler, Jenna Haeussler, Olivia Ferriter-Oebel, Manisha Ferriter-Oebel, Anita Ferriter-Oebel and Bayley Oebel. He has one great-grandchild, Armando James Tijerina. He was a proud grandpa and loved his family.

Leon proudly served in the United States Navy straight out of high school advancing quickly to Petty Officer 2nd Class before returning home to take care of his mother and siblings upon the death of his father Cleo. Leon spent 35 years working in communications and cellular service with Western Electric and then Southwestern Bell. His work ethic showed as he went 10 full years without missing one day of work. Leon played softball his entire life, even played on Senior softball leagues until he was 80. He was a lifetime, avid Astro’s fan. He and Priscilla visited all of the Astro minor league teams. Baseball was a love they shared. Once he retired he started his lifetime career of tinkering, wood working and traveling. He enjoyed lots of travel with his bride, Priscilla. They saw all of the lower 48 states, Alaska, and also Canada via a RV. They went up and down the Alaska Highway two times and had some great stories to tell and pictures to show. LC and PW had the phrase “Away We Go” on the back of the their RV and “On the road again” on their travel shirts. They toured the country, always making stops to see their family. They didn’t stop at North America either; they wandered Europe together when visiting Wes and Heather when they lived abroad. Leon had other loves in his life besides Priscilla, and he taught his family to love them as well… fishing, baseball, and playing cards & dominoes. Leon, also known as Papaw, took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Leon taught his family to work hard for what they have and then to enjoy it, with the exception of his dogs who got to skip the work hard part and just enjoy. Leon was the proud human to their dogs Lucky and Lolly who lived in the lap of luxury, literally Leon’s lap. He often said he can’t get up I have a PIL ”puppy in lap.” Leon will truly be missed by so many people who love his childlike exuberance, adventureness, and “can do” spirit. He was our rock. Papaw had that true grit and never shied away from a hard day’s work or a difficult task, in his words ‘just got to get through those “ob-stackles.” Perhaps a man whom Leon looked up to, John Wayne, summed it best, “True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done.” Towards the end of his life, he said if the good Lord took him now he is ok, he had a great life! His family wants to thank you for your love, friendship and prayers.

 In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to either of two charities that Leon contributed to. SmileTrain.org, The worlds largest Cleft focused organization.

 Or

WoundedWarriorproject.org This organization is changing lives of wounded warriors, helping bring back independence to our Nation’s most severely wounded veterans.