Tadlock Ernest "Tad" Leifeste '55
April 1, 2021 4:56 PM
updated: April 1, 2021 5:12 PM
Tadlock Ernest Roy Leifeste
October 30, 1932 - March 20, 2021
Tadlock Ernest Roy Leifeste, proud Aggie, born October 30, 1932, passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at his residence. Visitation will be held Friday, March 26 from 1-3pm and 5-7pm at the Art United Methodist Church. Services will be held at Art United
Methodist Church on Saturday, March 27 at 11 am. Graveside service will be held immediately following at Art West Cemetery.
Tad was preceded in death by parents Roy Charles Clarence and Katherine Tadlock Leifeste, his sister Jean Horton, brother-in-law Burlen Horton and his wife of 36 years, Jean Egger Leifeste, as well as special friend Brucene Norton.
He is survived by daughter Lisa Howard (William), stepchildren Bill Renton (Rick), Dana Townsend (Clyde), Robert Leifeste, Pam Pierce (Robert); grandchildren Trey Renton (Kim), Jessica Lloyd (Kevin), Ashley Ciomperlik (Jason), Kelli Townsend, Steven Leifeste,
Justin Leifeste (Amanda), Amy Morales (Brandon), Jacob Pierce (Vanessa), Kyle Pierce (Kim); great grandchildren Cole, Noah, Lane, Layton, Westlyn, Dylan, Zarek, James, Gracyn, Hannah, Maya, Liam, Skyler, Athena and Freya.
Pallbearers are grandsons, Trey Renton, Justin Leifeste, Jacob Pierce, Kyle Pierce, grand sons-in-law, Kevin Lloyd, Jason Ciomperlik, Brandon Morales, and great grandson, Noah Aguilar.
A graduate of The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (currently known as Texas A&M University) Tad graduated in May 1955 with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering and returned to San Antonio to continue the family dairy business. After shutting
the dairy business, Tad returned to college and received a second degree in Education. Upon completion in 1985, he took a position teaching science at Harlandale High School and worked there until 1993, when Jean retired. They moved to Mason County, Texas
where he began teaching science at Mason High School until he retired in 1999. After retirement he kept busy working with the 2000 and 2010 censuses. He also took over writing the ˜Bits of Art” column after Jean’s passing in 2001, and continued the column
until 2010 when daughter, Lisa took it over.
Tad was an avid rancher, active member of Art Methodist Church, volunteered at the food bank and could always be counted on to help when needed. A lifelong Republican, he was active in the Mason County Republican Party, as well as the Kairos ministries, and
participated in working on the Kothmann family book.
As an educator, Tad was a member of the Texas State Teachers Association and the National Education Association.
During his retirement years, he enjoyed going to the Senior Center, playing bingo and dominos with friends.
His is also survived by cherished friends Misty Williams, Kathryn Jordan, Sam Wilson, Diana Head, Dennis and DeAun Bryan and his dear caregiver Yolanda Hernandez.
And of course, his constant companion, Bentley, his beloved dog.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Texas A&M University, Art United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society.