Leon C. Gatica, 92, of Palacios went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 16, 2010. He was born April 11, 1918 in Matagorda, Texas to the late Antonio & Simona Camacho Gatica. Leon served his country in the Army during World War II as a cannoneer. He served in the Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, and Central Europe campaigns. He was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Campaign Medal with five bronze campaign stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.

His sister: Dominga Solis of Palacios survives Leon in death. He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters: Blasa Diaz, and Sabina Paula Rivas; 5 brothers: Monico, Maximo, Frank, Herman, and Lino Gatica.

Visitation will start 5:00 PM Monday, September 20, 2010 at the Palacios Funeral Home. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM, Monday, September 20, 2010 at the funeral home. The mass will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be: Mike, Robert, & Marcus Gatica, Daniel Herrera, Daniel Rivas, and Randy Diaz.