C. D. Leon

Born in tiny Rule, Texas, the seventh child of Henry Joseph Leon and Margaret Ann Server, he was one of the most successful film exhibitors and theater owners in the Southwest. An influential businessman in West Texas and New Mexico for almost a century, he was a pioneer in big time movie theaters, successful horse breeding, resort development, real estate, and the author of "What Made Wyatt Urp". He attended school in Rule, graduated from Shiners Military Institute in Kerrville, Texas and attended Texas Technological College in Lubbock, Texas. In 1935, he married the love of his life, Donna Josephine McGowen in Baird, Texas. Together they were prominent figures in the re-development of the Appaloosa horse breed, growth of exotic game ranching in Texas, and the expansion of their Pendaries Ranch in northern New Mexico into a first class golf resort and recreational home development. Before returning to Abilene, they enjoyed semi-retirement at their historic home near the plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Toad's long and eventful life has been accentuated by humor. His razor sharp mind has always enjoyed either listening to or telling a good story. He thrived on discovering humor amid life's little nuances. He has peddled ice from a mule-drawn wagon, run a bowling alley, been a dry-land farmer, struggled through failures in the hog and sheep business, prospected for uranium, been bewildered by the world of fast food franchises, survived the pitfalls of gin rummy and Texas hold-'em, and held off golfing foes' double-presses on their stroke holes. During his lifetime he was a member of The Variety Club of America-Dallas, Amarillo Country Club, Preston Trails Country Club-Dallas, Brookhollow Country Club-Dallas, Santa Fe Country Club, River Country Club-Kerrville, Abilene Country Club (past president 1958), Fairway Oaks Country Club, Silver Circle of Service Regional Director of Life Begins at 40-Harlingen, The Abilene Club and The Petroleum Club. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Donna Leon. Toad is survived by his daughters, Carol Ann Midkiff and husband T.O., of Midkiff, Texas and Sandra Roberts and husband W. C. "Square" Roberts, of Denton Valley, Texas; grandchildren, Ben Callaway and wife Cheryl, Al Callaway and wife Stomi, Tim Roberts and wife Jennifer, Noel Welch and husband Tim, Janice Durham and husband Gary, Steven Midkiff and wife Saundra, T.O. Midkiff, IV and wife Kristi; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the loyalty, kindness and devotion by Doreen Dolan. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Melson, Bill Allison, Fran Sheffield, Jack Riley, Jerry Girard, Jack Reese, Dub Sibley and Bob Rawlins. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009 at the Ross Cemetery in Baird, Texas, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Memorials may be directed to your favorite charity.