Leopoldo Torres Gómez
Doughboy
Passed away on November 2, 2018 after a valiant fight with cancer.
He was born in Artesia, New Mexico on August 3, 1947 to the late Elizandro and Genoveva Gómez.
Leo proudly served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
He received two purple hearts, and a Bronze Star for “Heroism in Ground Combat”, on April 22, 1968.
Leo was an exceptional role model for how one should live a life ready to help others.
He valiantly served so others could be safe.
He was a noble man, who will be remembered for his integrity, patience, generosity and loving personality.
He was a deeply committed man to God, his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Leo is survived by his wife Lydia Tijerina–Gómez, four children Stacey Van Emst, Anthony Florez, Raquel Pierce and
Michael Florez, seven siblings Esther, Henry, Raul, Elva, Ramona, Alex and Armando and
11 grandchildren Isabella, Luke, Samantha, Briana, Anthony Michael, Cody, Adreanna, Aaron, Christian, Jonathan and Joseph.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son Leopoldo, Jr. and a brother Ruben.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Leo’s life on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 6-8PM at
West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale.
Funeral services will be on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 11AM at Iglesia Del Valle, 15406 N. Greasewood Street, Surprise.
Please wear patriotic colors to honor Leo.
Burial with military honors will follow at 1:30PM in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Dysart Scholarship Fund,
Dysart High School Alumni Scholarship,
P.O. Box 1898, Surprise, AZ 85378-1898.
Indicate on check Leo Gómez Scholarship.
Freedom Riders Motorcade Escort to National Memorial Cemetery
Leo and Lydia attended the 2016 Troop Reunion in Daytona Beach
With fellow Doughboy, Leroy Buchanan and his wife Laurie
George Rein, Gearald Condon and Leo Daytona 2016
With Denny Liston
Folded Wings
Light Horse Home