Leroy Baeza

Leroy Granado Baeza, 87, of Fort Davis and more recently of Dallas, passed away on May 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on April 10 in Alpine, Texas, he was the beloved son of Dolores (“Lolo”) and Faye Baeza.

Leroy’s life was shaped early on by love when he met his sweetheart, Rose, in Marfa, Texas. They married at 21, sharing 65 years of marriage and moving through life with a grace that made it seem as though they were always in perfect step. After relocating to Los Angeles, Leroy completed college and began a remarkable career at Walt Disney Productions. With quiet brilliance and steady leadership, he rose to become Chief Industrial Engineer for Disneyland, contributing to the early development of Disney World.

Though offered the opportunity to move to Florida to continue with Disney World, Leroy chose a path guided by faith, family, and a deep sense of purpose. He and Rose returned to Fort Davis to join his parents in running their small convenience store. Through shared effort and unwavering determination, they grew that little store into three supermarkets serving Fort Davis, Alpine, and Presidio. Leroy later acquired the Exxon fuel distribution business for the tri-county area and expanded his real estate investments as well as Co owning Ellison Abstract. He worked side by side with his parents, his wife, his children, his nieces and nephews, and his sister, creating a family enterprise in the truest sense.

His commitment to community ran just as deep. Leroy served on the Board for the Foundation for the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, the Affiliated Foods Thriftway Stores Board, and was Chairman of the Board for TriState Grocers. He also dedicated his time to the Museum of the Big Bend President’s Circle and Board, and the Big Bend Natural History Association.

Because he traveled frequently between Fort Davis and Presidio, Leroy earned his pilot’s license. He loved the freedom of the sky, waking before dawn, and whistling as he prepared for the day ahead. An avid reader of personal development, he was the person everyone depended on - steady, capable, and protective. Though he stood a towering 6'4", his gentle wit and genuine ease never made anyone feel small; instead, he left people smiling and made friends wherever he went.

Leroy is survived by his devoted wife, Rose; his three children, Leroy Jr., Pamela (Gary Laben), and David; his grandson, Luke; and his sisters, Sandra (Jerry Reinberg) and Yolanda (Armando Uranga). He was preceded in death by his infant son, Peter.

A Rosary will be held on June 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Davis, Texas. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

His legacy is one of love, faith, generosity, family and a life lived with purpose - a life that lifted others.