Leonel Rios III

On December 20, 2020, the Lord called Leonel “Leo” Rios III home, a loving son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend to many. Leo passed away at the age of 42. He was born on November 10, 1978, to Leonel (Jr.) and Mary Helen Rios (Perez) in Corpus Christi, Texas. To family, he was affectionately known as “Baby Leo” and to his friends the “Legend”.

Leo attended and graduated from Mary Carroll High School in 1997. After graduation, Leo immersed himself in selling Residential and Commercial Real Estate for over 20 years. Leo loved helping people and was passionate about what he did for a living.

Leo’s love of helping others inspired him to volunteer and serve on many boards, including; Bucaraders, Buc Days Rodeo, Halo Flight, Corpus Christi Transportation Advisory Commission and Leadership Corpus Christi (Graduate). In addition to board service, Leo volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and at countless cook-offs. Usually for the Builders Association, Realtor Association, Buc Days, or Halo Flight. One thing you could always count on no matter who Leo cooked with is that he was always the first one there and the last to leave.

When Leo wasn't busy selling real estate, or volunteering, he spent time outdoors as he was an avid outdoorsman. Like a true and proud Texan, Leo cherished ranching, hunting, fishing, and barbecuing in South Texas with friends and family. Leo relished in telling stories, jokes, and reminiscing about a great hunt.

Leo will be remembered as an incredible son, brother, uncle, and a great friend who always had a smile on his face, loving life, and in constant service to others. We will miss him “all day, every day” and are thankful for the time he spent with us.

Leo was predeceased by Frank and Dora Perez. Left to cherish his memories are his parents Leonel (Jr.) and Mary Helen Rios (Perez), sister Amy (Hector) Elizondo and nephews Hector “Trey” Elizondo, III and Andrew Michael Elizondo. Grandparents Leonel (Sr.) and Margarita Rios and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM that same evening. A funeral mass will be celebrated and interment to follow for family members.

Having the distinguished honor to serve as honorary pallbearers are Matt Adler, Francisco Aguilar, Aaron Burkett, Andrew Jimenez, Logan Kirkpatrick, Christopher Lawrence, Javier Trevino, JJ Trevino, Brandon Vargas and Major Jeffrey Vickers.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Leo Rios Memorial Scholarship. https://www.gofundme.com/f/LeoRiosMemorialScholarship

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.