Noe Deleon Jr.

Noe Deleon Jr. of Robstown, Texas, passed away on March 29, 2024, at the age of 66. Noe leaves behind several record-breaking memories, and remarkable impressions to all athletes and runners who called him Coach Deleon.

Noe was born on August 25, 1957, in Robstown, Texas to his mother, Anna Maria (Reyna) Vela. Noe grew up in the heart of Robstown, in "Casa Blanca", on Indiana Street. Noe was a "South Texas home grown runner". Throughout Noe's young life many in Robstown’s community would see Noe running through the town, and the outskirts, doing what he had a passion for, running.

Noe was a graduate of Robstown High School, class of 1976. While at Robstown High School, Noe was involved in Cross Country and Track and Field, where he excelled in running. He was Coached by Rudy Valdez. After the Cotton Pickers joined Corpus Christi ISD in the 4A District, Noe became the first Cotton Picker to win the Robstown High School Cross Country District Meet in 1974. Noe was Robstown's first student athlete to win district titles in cross country (1975) and track and field (1976).

After graduating from high school Noe attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX, with a scholarship to run cross country and track and field. While at Texas A&I, Noe broke records in track and field and cross country. Noe continues to hold Javelina’s record in the 5,000 M, marathon, and half marathon. Noe became the first Lone Star Conference Cross Country Champion in Javelina history (1977). In 1978, Noe set a Javelina Record in the Lone Star Conference 5,000 M. Noe is a Javelina All-Time Men's Letterwinner, 1977-78.

Upon graduating with a degree in Elementary Art from Texas A&I, Noe would go on to spend the next few years heavily dedicated to marathon running and perfecting his craft. Noe became the first Javelina alumni to garner an athletic shoe contract; this contract was from none other than NIKE. Noe competed professionally with Nike and was the first runner from South Texas to win prize money. He was the first male on the original Nike Team Texas that competed in the USA World Cross Country Trails in Abilene, TX (1985). Nonetheless, Noe represented Texas A&I and Robstown well.

After competing professionally, Noe coached with Premont ISD, Robstown ISD, Calallen ISD, and St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Robstown. At all three South Texas school districts, Noe ignited the running flame in his athletes and had the privilege of winning many UIL District, Regional, and State Cross Country and Track & Field recognitions with individual athletes as well as teams. Noe's passion for running captivated every runner and coach who had the privilege of knowing him.

Noe is preceded in death by his grandmother, Consuelo Mayorga; grandfather, Victor Reyna, Sr.; mother, Anna Maria (Reyna) Vela; stepfather, Antonio Vela; uncle, Victor Reyna, Jr.; and aunt, Oralia Reyna, all of Robstown, TX.

Noe requested a cremation and spreading of his ashes at a special place to him which will be done privately with family. A Remembrance Service will be held on April 14, 2024, at Robstown Early College High School in the Cafeteria at 3 PM with food to follow. We invite Noe's athletes, fellow runners, co-workers, friends, and family to this Remembrance Service to honor Coach Noe De Leon.

To leave your condolences for the family of Noe Deleon Jr., share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.

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