Fernando C. Leyja

Fernando C. "Freddie" Leyja went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 8, 2012. He died in Lawton, Oklahoma, at the age of 69 years, seven months and four days. He was born November 4, 1942, at Taft, Texas, to Pablo R. and Maria B. (Castillo) Leyja. He attended school in Fashing, Texas, then moved to Frederick in 1955, and attended Frederick schools. He entered the United States Army on February 25, 1964. He was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Hood, Texas, where he served honorably until his discharge on February 24, 1966. After his active military service, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1970. He was united in marriage to Juanita Garcia on August 6, 1966, in Frederick, Oklahoma, at St. Helen's Catholic Church. Freddie did farm labor for many years, and then he later went to work for Schlegel until his retirement. He was well known in the community for his love of sports. He played adult league baseball many years for the Frederick Warriors and Frederick Jets. He also played on the OCOMMA softball team. He enjoyed coaching local little league baseball and umpiring baseball games. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. Mr. Leyja enjoyed cooking. He and his wife cooked for family reunions, church fund-raisers and church meals. He took great pride in his gardening. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother and was loved by all his family. Mr. Leyja was a long time resident of Frederick and had many friends in the community. He was a member of St. Helen's Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Chris Leyja; two sisters: Juanita Leyja and Rosa Leyja; and one grandchild: Daniel Mendoza. Survivors include his wife: Juanita "Janie" Leyja, of the home in Frederick, Oklahoma; a son: Christopher Leyja, Helena, Oklahoma; a daughter: Dolores Mendoza, of Frederick, Oklahoma; three brothers: Paul Leyja and wife Vicki, Lawton, Oklahoma, Benny Leyja and wife Gloria, Elk City, Oklahoma, and Jose Leyja and wife Lydia, of Lodge, South Carolina; two sisters: Isabel Ramirez and Maggie Garcia and husband Froline, all of Frederick, Oklahoma; five grandchildren: Carlitos Mendoza, Adrian Mendoza, Brandon Mendoza, Lance Leyja, Jeran Leyja and Natalie Mendoza; and one great grandchild: Lyric Leyja. Orr Gray Gish Funeral Home (580) 335-2112