Paul Leal Cerda, Jr.

Paul Leal Cerda, Jr., 77, of Gonzales, passed away Monday, November 13, 2023.  He was born July 11, 1946 in Gonzales the son of Paul V. Cerda, Sr. and Luz Leal Cerda.  He was a member of the 1965 graduating class at Gonzales High School.  He was a running back for the Gonzales Apaches, was a “Star Football Athlete” and was voted “Orange Jacket Sweetheart”.

He married Maria Dolores Garcia on September 11, 1965, in Shiner.  He served with the Texas National Guard for 22 years and retired with the rank of Staff Sargeant in 1987.  Paul was a commercial printer and worked with the Gonzales Inquirer and later with GVEC for 26 years.  After retiring from GVEC, he opened his own printing company “A Touch of Country”, which he ran from 2006 until 2018.

He coached Gonzales Little League Baseball, he enjoyed playing dominoes and was known as the Dominoe King and watching his favorite Dallas Cowboys and Texas A& M Aggies.  Most of all he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Maria Dolores Cerda; daughter Darlene Valenta and husband Bo of Harwood; son Paul Garcia Cerda and wife Jackie of Allen, TX; grandchildren Nina Denà Valenta Autry, Jena Renee Valenta; great-grandchildren Nash Bohus Autry and Paislee Jo Autry; sisters Rachel Rodriguez and Susie Molina both of Gonzales.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Frances Hidalgo.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023 with a Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 2 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Reverend Jason Martini officiating.  Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery.  Pallbearers include: Manuel Ruiz Garcia, Michael Ruiz Garcia, Justin Autry, Rudy Rosas, Charlie Valenta, Jr., Richard Hidalgo, Joseph Hidalgo and Jacob Molina.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul St., Gonzales.