Joseph D. Leyva, Jr.

Joseph D. Leyva Jr., of Mayville, age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2025 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community. He was born March 5, 1944 in Marlette to the late Joseph, Sr. and Estela (Peña) Leyva. Joe attended Owen-Gage High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. That same year, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1966.

After leaving the service Joe met the love of his life, Judy Eberlein, and they married on April 8, 1967 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Gagetown. Joe worked for Saginaw Steering Gear for thirty-three years as a machine operator until his retirement in 1999. After his retirement, Joe spent his days painting residential homes and businesses, forging many friendships with the people he met along the way. Joe spent many mornings at the True Value in Vassar sipping coffee and socializing with everyone; and even the walls of the True Value had been refreshed with his skilled hand.

Joe loved taking Judy out. Sometimes that meant browsing the local flea markets to see what was new in town. Friday nights were especially important and whether it was a classic fish fry or dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant, it was their time together, and Joe was committed to making it special.

Joe spent many summer days out on the golf course, mastering his swing and watching the ball soar. As the summer turned to fall, he was eager to share his love and enthusiasm for the Lions football team with his daughter Jody. Joe will be remembered for his sense of humor and for how happy he made those around him. Even as hours turned to minutes in his time of passing, Joe couldn’t help but get a chuckle and smile from everyone he met along the way.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Judy Leyva; his daughter, Jody Leyva; grand-dog, April; siblings, Rosie (Sonny) Quinn and Rachel (Jerry) Lamoureux; and siblings-in-law, Dawn Leyva, Beverly Leyva, Lucia Leyva, Lynn Jahr, and John Eberlein. In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his brothers, Bill, Claude, Ralph, and Paul Leyva; and Judy’s brothers, R. Curtis, James, and David Eberlein.

Joe’s memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro. The family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Cass River Pet Friendz.