Leon Louis Schilling, 84 of Bovina passed from this life on Thursday, November 2, 2017 surrounded by family in Bovina. A prayer service will be held  7:00 P.M. Friday, November 3, 2017 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bovina with Mass of Christian Burial Services 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 4, 2017 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bovina, with Rev. Ken Keller of Nazareth as Celebrant. Burial following in the Bovina Cemetery by Blackwell-Mullins Funeral Home of Friona.

Leon was born Sept 7, 1933 in Slaton, Texas, to Herman and Mary Schilling.  He grew up with his eleven siblings on the family farm. This is where Leon learned the value of hard work and discovered his passion for farming. By the time Leon was 12 years old, he was farming full-time, alongside his father.  In 1953, at the age of 20, Leon was drafted and served in the army as a radar operator in the Korean War until 1955. During this time, Leon proved his loyalty to his country and he later declared, "After all, if I get to live in this great, free country, protecting it was the least I could do." During his service, Leon made lifelong memories and earned himself the nickname "Big Leo." Standing broad and strong at 6'4, Leon "carried a big stick" and was respected for his size, stature, and all-encompassing wisdom that prevented even the bravest of men from disrespecting him or his allies.

In 1957, Leon married the love of his life, Martha Nell Decker, and moved to Bovina, Texas where he began farming on his own and found his spiritual home at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Leon lived his life devoting his love to his wife, children, community, and church. During his adult life, Leon served on the Bovina School Board, assisted on the Co-Op elevator board, taught Bible School and acted as Council President of St. Ann's Catholic Church, and became a 4th degree Grand Knight through the Knights of Columbus organization.

Not only was Leon a great father to Terry, Karen, Lisa and Todd, but he also became an incredible grandfather to Cody and Zachary Schilling, Tara Kendrick, Cory Daniel and Kelsey Schultz, Olivia, Gabrielle, Mallory and Alexander Schilling. In addition, Leon was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Rylan and Reed Kendrick, Carson and Callyn Schilling. Among his favorite hobbies were attending his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's events and sharing bits of wisdom such as the following:

"Lying to a cop to get out of a ticket may not always be sinful."

"Never let the truth get in the way of a good story."

"Being mad will never fix a frustrating situation, so you may as well keep a good attitude."

Leon retired from his farming career in 2005 at the age of 72.  In his late years, Leon enjoyed drinking coffee with close community friends, and he took pleasure in family gatherings and visits from his big, loving family. Until his last days, Leon loved driving around admiring the family farm, which was left in the capable hands of Terry, Todd, and Zac. Leon was always ready and willing to give helpful farm advice or provide rides around the farms during busy seasons.

Surviving are his wife, Martha; the Terry Schilling family, including Terry, Sabina, Cody, Matthew, Tara, Rylan, Reed, Zac, Wendy, Carson, and Callyn; the Karen Daniel family, including Glen, Karen, Cory, Jordan and Kelsey; the Lisa Schilling family, including Lisa and Juli Ward and the Todd Schilling family, including Todd, Lisa, Olivia, Gabrielle, Mallory, and Alexander Schilling.

Leon was known for his ever-present smile and his positive demeanor that led him to be optimistic until his last day. Leon never made a habit of complaining about his condition, often stating "I've had worse days," even when he was laid up in the hospital. The family of Leon asks that the community honor his memory by following his example by sharing a genuine smile and a happy, faithful heart with those around them. Although Leon can never be replaced, he will be remembered forever, and his legacy will live on through every life that he touched. While the town of Bovina may seem a bit dimmer without Leon's radiant grin, we know that he has inspired enough smiles from his friends, family, and the community to brighten this world until the day everyone is able to experience his immutable light firsthand. I think everyone will agree that the heavens are sure to shine a little bit brighter now with Leon there.