Leon Pesek Sr.

Leon Francis Pesek, Sr., of Texarkana, Texas was reunited with his wife, Shirley and youngest son, Michael Joseph Pesek, in God's heavenly kingdom on July 7, 2018. He is survived three children and their spouses, Leon and Beth Pesek of Texarkana, Texas, Phil and Denise Pesek of Georgetown, TX, Cathy and Bob Long of Wake Village, Texas, eight grandchildren, Trey Pesek, Katie Osburn, Robbie Pesek, Lisa Henry, John Pesek, Jessica Darnutzer, Susanna Dold, Paige Foster, twelve great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Leon was born on September 17, 1928 in Yoakum, TX to Emil and Annie Pesek. He and his family lived in Yoakum, Texas, Hallettsville, Texas, and Austin, Texas before moving to Texarkana in 1962. Texarkana has been his home for the past 56 years. Leon was always very active in the community. Upon graduation from St. Mary's Law School in San Antonio, he joined the Judge Advocate General Corp in the United States Army where he served at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and met the love of his life, Shirley. After discharge from the Army, he served as County Attorney for Lavaca County, Texas and then became Assistant Attorney General for the state of Texas. While serving as Assistant Attorney General, he argued a case before the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1962, he joined the law firm of Raffaelli & Keeny in Texarkana. He went on to serve as City Attorney for the City of Texarkana, TX before establishing the law firm of Hitt & Pesek. He was elected to serve as Judge of the 102nd District Court in 1978, where he served until his retirement. In addition to his devotion to his children and his volunteer activities, Leon leaves two distinct legacies behind that will always remind us of his kindness and generosity. First, as a father of a child with Downs syndrome, he was very involved in the initial development of Texarkana Special Education Center, which is now Opportunities, Inc., which provides assistance to special needs children and adults. He was a founding/charter member of the board of directors and also served as president. Each year, he raised money for the annual Christmas party at Opportunities, Inc. with the assistance of the Wilber Smith Rotary Club. Secondly, his dedication to the local community and his service as a State District Judge for 13 years and as a senior judge for many years after that. He also served as a mediator to help resolve legal disputes without the necessity of using court time. He saw his work on the Court as an excellent way to serve the citizens of Bowie and Red River County. His community service included serving as an active Board member of Opportunities and the Boy Scouts of America. Later in life, he wrote and published biographical novel entitled, Lamp Beside the Golden Door. The book outlines his family's immigrant beginning in this country and how this motivated his love of community service. Even though Leon was a very active man, there was nothing more important to him than his family. He always had time for his family and reveled in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leon was a devout Catholic and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Texarkana. A rosary will be held at the Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas, on Friday, July 13 at 6:00 p.m. followed by visitation. A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on 4505 Elizabeth Street, on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Michael Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in honor of Leon be made to Opportunities, Inc., 6101 N. State Line, Texarkana, TX 75503 or to Sacred Heart Building Fund, 4505 Elizabeth Street, Texarkana, TX 75503.