On October 7, 2026, Elijio Romero Leyva Jr. went home to rest, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. He was 81 years old, and every one of those years was full.

His story began in Alpine, on September 19, 1945, when he was born to Elijio Leyva Sr. and Amelia Romero. Long before he was anyone’s coach, teacher, “Popples” to his children, or “Papa” to his grandchildren, he was the young man the Alpine High School Fighting Bucks crowd cheered for, and his kicking talent earned him a name that stayed with him for life: “Golden Toe.” He carried that gift to Sul Ross State University, where he helped bring home a national championship and was later inducted into the university’s Football Hall of Honor. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there, too.

But the greatest win of his life came on June 1, 1965, when he married Veronica Carrasco in Alpine. For more than 61 years, they walked through life side by side. Together they built a home full of love, rooted in faith, family, and hard work, and raised three children who were his greatest pride: Rachel, their firstborn; Ray, the middle child; and Luis, who completed the family. Each of them carries a piece of his heart.

Elijio spent his life helping others reach their potential. He began as a coach and math teacher, then shared his skill with his hands as a building trades instructor. For a season, he and his brothers built something of their own, Leyva Construction, but the classroom always called him back. He returned to education and served as an assistant principal with Terrell ISD, guiding students and supporting teachers with the same steady heart he brought to everything.

Elijio’s Catholic faith was the center of it all, the quiet strength behind everything he did. While living in Monahans, he became a founding member of the Knights of Columbus council at St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Catholic Church, building a brotherhood of service that reflected the man he was: devoted to God, loyal to his community, and always ready to lend a hand.

In retirement, he finally had time for what mattered most. He and Veronica traveled across the country with their grandchildren on grand vacations, from the Grand Canyon to the bright lights of New York City, making memories the grandkids will treasure forever with their Papa. And when he was home, you could find him watching OU win.

He was welcomed home by his parents, Elijio Leyva Sr. and Amelia Romero, and his brothers, Frank “Pancho” Leyva and Armando Leyva.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Veronica Leyva; his children, Rachel Gray, Ray Leyva, and Luis “Vichie” Leyva and wife, Kelly Leyva; his grandchildren, Luke Leyva and wife, Charity, along with Macie, Lawson, Landry, and Lincoln Leyva; his brothers, Ricardo, Jaime, Eddie, and Joe Leyva; and his sisters, Mary Ann Acosta, Emily Ybarra, and Arlene Olazaba. He also leaves countless students, colleagues, teammates, and friends whose lives are better because he was in them.

A church service celebrating his life will be held in Alpine in the spring of 2027. More details will be shared as they become available.