Roll Call Tribute

Leonard James Lubbering 

July 21, 1944 - December 14, 2025 

Leonard Lubbering, a devoted brother, husband, father, and grandfather, proud Texas A&M Aggie, and lifelong classic car enthusiast, passed away peacefully in his sleep while under hospice care on December 14, 2025, following a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 81 years old.

Leonard was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, graduating from Thomas Edison High School in 1962. He earned a degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1968 and went on to work for 39 years at Industrial Systems, Inc.

Leonard was most in his element when caring for cars—washing, detailing, repairing, refinishing, learning about them, and attending hot rod and classic car runs. His garage was often mistaken for a classic car showroom. Among his prized possessions over the years were a Nissan 280ZX, a 1934 Ford Roadster, a 1965 red convertible Mustang, and a maroon Ford van complete with shag carpeting — a true monstrosity by modern standards. He delighted in dropping Dena and Michael off at school in his “fun” cars to turn heads, much to their chagrin. At one point in his life, Leonard owned a bright orange pickup truck that he immediately festooned with a “Dixie Chicken” bumper sticker — lest passersby confuse him for a t-sip.

Leonard also owned a ranch in Real County, not far from Lost Maples State Natural Area, where he found peace atop his riding lawnmower. Trimming the grass was one of his favorite forms of self-care. A devoted World War II buff, Leonard likely knew more about the subject than many historians.

Leonard will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Lubbering Sr. and Caroline Lubbering; his twin brother, Louis Lubbering Jr., and Louis’s wife, Marilyn; and his cherished identical twin granddaughter, Harper Ann Willeford.

Leonard is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Carol, with whom he shared their golden anniversary this June. He is also survived by his loving son, Michael Lubbering, whom Leonard always carried in his heart; and his dedicated and caring daughter, Dena Willeford, her husband Scott, and his treasured grandchildren, Collin, Cameron, and Hollis, who brought him immense pride and joy.

He is also fondly remembered by his siblings: his brother Gary Lubbering and wife Amy, his brother Steve Lubbering, and his sister Carol Denning and her husband Paul, along with many nieces and nephews who were part of his extended family, as well as his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law on his wife’s side.

A Funeral Mass and Reception will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (8134 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78216) on February 6, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m.