Leandro Santos Cardona, Sr, affectionately known as “Leo”, passed peacefully into eternal life while surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the age of 67, in Alice, Texas. Leandro will forever be remembered for his love of family and his hard work ethics.

Leo was a proud Coyote who graduated from Alice High School, class of 1977. He furthered his education by attending Bee County College where he earned his degree and certification in painting and body work. He was well known as being a workaholic and he worked for the local Ford Motor Company and Alice Paint and Body Shop. He took great pride in the work he did repairing vehicles and making them look better than new. Leo was also a very talented musician who played the accordion and guitar and had an amazing singing voice. He played and sang with a conjunto group called Maquina Alegre and helped many other groups when needed. He also loved to dance; he was one of the best dancers at La Villita Dance Hall.

Leo was raised in a family that had the old-fashioned values of respect, honesty, hard work, and strong Catholic faith. He was humble, kind-hearted, sincere, and had a gentle soul with a generous heart and was always ready to assist anyone in need. He was a great provider who made sure his family had everything they needed, from food to clothing and shelter.

Leo lived his faith through his actions and deeds, setting the example for his children to follow. He was giving of his time, talents, and treasures and never counted the sacrifices he gave to others. He was a member of the organization, Amigos for Education, which provided students with scholarships to help further their education. He also loved to play golf with his legendary team and was in an award-winning bowling league.

Leo’s favorite and most memorable moments were spending time with his children and family going on vacations and camping at Lake Mathis swimming and fishing.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Margarita Cardona; his brother, Guadalupe Cardona, Jr; and sister, Maria Delia Ibarra.

He is survived by his children, Leo (Jesusita) Cardona, Jr, Anna (Guadalupe, Jr) Martinez, Patricia (Markie) Garza, Raul (Veronica) Olivarez, and Jennifer Olivarez; his siblings, Margie (Lino) Placencio, Celia (Camilo, Sr) Flores, Sylvia (Joe) Ruiz, Frances Soliz, Virginia (Jesse) Martinez, and Adrian Cardona; 21 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Leo’s family will receive condolences on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Treviño Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM; with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 11:30 AM. A funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 1:00 PM to St. Joseph Catholic Church to celebrate a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 PM. Rite of Committal and Inurnment will follow at Old Collins Cemetery where Leo will be laid to rest in the peace of Christ.

Leo will forever be remembered for his love of family and for being an amazing and loving father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend.

To leave your condolences for the family of Leandro Santos Cardona, Sr, share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.