Christopher "Hook" Leal

Christopher Leal, also known as “Hook” to his family and close friends, a beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed into his Eternal rest on February 14, 2024, in Nixon, Texas, at the age of 59. He was born to loving parents Rafael “Chito” Leal & Theodora “Lola” Leal, on January 17, 1965, in Floresville, Texas. Christopher was a proud lifetime resident of Nixon, where he raised his family.

A diehard Texas Longhorns fan who bled burnt orange loved his family, the Horns, horses, and BBQ. When he wasn’t cheering, “Hook ‘em Horns,” you could usually find him spreading joy and laughter with everyone everywhere he went. Chris’s professional career spanned over 24 years, from being a lineman to retiring as a general foreman working for various electrical transmission and distribution companies. After retirement, Chris enjoyed playing golf with family and friends, cooking meals for family “Sunday Funday,” and pursuing his love for horses, a passion he shared with his brothers. A friend to all who crossed his path, he possessed a generous heart that knew no bounds. He welcomed everyone with open arms, a genuine nature, a warm smile, and a big hug. Whether it was a neighbor in need or a stranger crossing his path, he left a lasting impact on the lives he touched. Truly a beacon of light to those he touched with his servant’s heart.

Christopher was preceded in death by his father, Rafael “Chito” Leal, his grandparents, Jose & Adela Longoria and Pablo & Concha Leal, his niece, Elizabeth Riffe †, and his aunts and uncles Maria Martinez (Jose), Maya Bustamante (George), Guadalupe Zuniga (Santiago), Julia Yanes (Felix), and Jesus Leal. He is survived by his mother, Theodora “Lola” Leal, and his beloved children, Justin Leal (Jordan), Kayla Leal (Destiny), and Katarina Leal (Juan). He also will be forever remembered by his precious grandchildren, Deanna “Little Biscuit,” and his “Minions,”  Luke and Adalynn. Chris was blessed to have loved and been loved by Lupe Cardenas, his companion of 12 years. Christopher also leaves behind his siblings, Ruth Ann Leal, Chana Finch (Tim), Pablo Leal, Jesse Leal, Genie Riffe (Mark), and Joey Leal (Sandy). He will also be cherished with beautiful memories by his nieces and nephews, Samantha Faust (Kevin), Lorenzo Bocanegra, Alex Bocanegra, Stephen Finch (Joann), Mason Finch (Chris), Matthew Finch (Rhonda), Bianca Leal (Oscar), Dana Leal (Erik), Landry Leal, Ashlynn Riffe, Jaren Mendez, and Amrie Leal. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins, his great-aunts Josie Gaytan of Gonzales and Lydia Millington of Nixon, and aunts Sally Garcia (Isaac) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Elia Longoria of Nixon.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nixon, Texas. A holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Nixon Latin American Cemetery immediately following the services. The Leal family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers as we all keep Chris’s beautiful memories alive through the many stories and experiences we were honored and blessed to be a part of.