Leon Pechacek, 93, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Crowell.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Quanah, Texas. Interment will follow at Quanah Memorial Park. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, October 14, followed by visitation from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home Chapel.

Leon was born October 17, 1932, in Crowell, Texas to Rudolph and Milada (Benys) Pechacek, and graduated from Crowell High School. He married Virginia “Ginger” Buckholt in Vernon, Texas, on May 15, 1954. Leon proudly served in the United States Air Force as a mechanic and later retired from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) after 38 years of service as an engineer. He also farmed for many years in Hardeman County.

Leon was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Lazy 8 Square Dance Club. He was also a past member of the Quanah Volunteer Fire Department. Leon loved the National Football League, and especially the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, making lasting memories with those he loved.

Affectionately known as Papa, Leon is survived by his wife, Ginger; son, Johnny Pechacek and wife Lori; his daughters, Jana Quisenberry and her husband, Roy, of Quanah, and Cindy Tolentino of Vernon; six grandchildren, Renee, Kevin, Glen, Adam, Eric, and Ryan; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Pechacek; his sisters, Margie Wilson, Dorothy Henderson, and Irene Lawn; and his son-in-law, Dr. Rey Tolentino.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Mary Catholic Church in Quanah, Texas.