Leal, Christopher

Christopher Leal, 36, of Abilene, Texas, died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.

He was born Jan. 21, 1969, in Friona to Benita (Lopez) and Joe Leal.

He attended Portales public schools since the third grade and graduated from Portales High School in 1986. He moved to Abilene in 1999 and was employed by Goodwill Industries in Abilene in 2002.

He enjoyed watching movies and television and was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, family members said.

He is survived by his mother, Benita Jimenez of Abilene, his father, Joe Leal Sr. (and step-mother, Louisa) of Harlingen, Texas; two brothers: Joe Leal Jr. and Elijio Leal, both of Harlingen; two sisters: Retta Garcia (and husband, Steve) of Abilene and Irma Hernandez of Harlingen; and aunts and uncles in Portales.

Pastor David Gomez will officiate services.

Burial is at Portales Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Orlando and David Martinez, Victor Leal, Alex Escobar, Frank Lopez Jr. and Victor Garcia

Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Jr. and Elijio Leal, Anselmo, Roger, Manuel Jr. and Frank Lopez Sr.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.