Leo Paul Fief, Jr.

In Loving Memory

Of

Leo Paul Fief, Jr.

September 12, 1956 ~ May 1, 2024

Leo "Paul" Fief Jr., 67, of Danbury was born on September 12, 1956 in Freeport, Texas to Leo and Fostine “Tennie” Fief and passed away in his home on May 1, 2024 with his beloved wife Gwen by his side. Paul's unwavering tenacity and determination in how he lived his life left an unforgettable impression on everyone he met.

Paul married his high school sweetheart on November 18, 1977 to start the life they dreamed of together. Despite being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome at the young age of 24, leaving him with a lifelong physical disability, Paul's determination remained unyielding. He found purpose in his passion for farming and agriculture and in the process, became a true jack of all trades. His determination and mental toughness was a testament to his character, demonstrating that there was nothing he couldn't overcome or a task he couldn’t accomplish. He was a devoted husband and father that went above and beyond for his family. His kids spent many hours making memories with him in the fields riding along on combines and tractors or playing in trucks full of rice. He was never too tired to meet Gwen and the kids at the fishing pond after work. He also loved spending time with his large extended family, sharing a “cold one” and just “shooting the bull”. Spending summers on the bank of the Guadalupe with his family was Paul’s idea of the perfect vacation. Paul had a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor and he absolutely never let his physical limitations affect his spirit or how he lived his life.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Leo Fief, mother-in-law Loretta Filipp, brother-in-law CSM Keith Filipp, daughter-in-law Mary Ann Fief, and special nieces, Brandi and Brittani Roberts.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Gwen, whose unwavering love and support sustained him through life's challenges. Together they faced so many obstacles but, through it all, their marriage exemplified the vows they exchanged on their wedding day. Paul leaves behind his three children: daughter Amber Kroschel and husband Roger, son Brice Fief and girlfriend Jennifer Larson, son Cole Fief and wife Rebekah, and grandchildren Abbey, Max, and Case Kroschel, Oliver Fief, and Lexi, Michael, and Reed Fief, who loved their Pops to the moon and back. Paul is also survived by his beloved mother, Fostine "Tennie" Fief, and his siblings: Jennifer Dubois (Dan), Karen Knighton, Kim McCormick (Michael), and Freddie Fief. He was also cherished by his father-in-law Benjamin Filipp, sisters-in-law Shay Roberts (Gene), Roxanne Walch (Tim), Lanette Roye (Joey) and Linda Filipp, brother-in-law Kevin Filipp (Kristin), and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he held dear and loved spending time with.

Paul’s family would like to say “thank you” to Jeri, Angela, Kari and Ashley who were instrumental in his care during this past year.

Pallbearers will be Paul’s grandsons, Max and Case Kroschel, Oliver Fief, Michael and Reed Fief and nephews, Cody and Travis Knighton. Honorary pallbearers are Gene Roberts, Tim Walch, Kevin Filipp, Joey Roye, Roger Kroschel, Joe Filipp, Donnie Bulanek, Leslie Hall, and Melvin Bernshausen.

Services celebrating Paul's life will be held at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in Danbury, Texas. Visitation will take place on Monday, May 6th, from 5 to 7 pm, with the Rosary starting at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 7th, at 10 am, followed by burial at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy for Leo Paul Fief, Jr. may be shared at www.palmsfuneralhome.com .