Frederick C. Leyba of Springdale passed away on February 12, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was born to Fred and Dora on September 23,1942, in Leadville, Colorado, the middle of five children. His twin sisters came along first, a year later Fred was born, and then two more boys after that. He spent his childhood in Denver and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1960. He excelled in football and boxing.

On his 24th birthday, Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam with the 2nd Squadron, 1st Calvary, 4th Division from 1966 to 1968 and received a Purple Heart for his bravery. He maintained a life-long bond with his fellow service members and was a member of the American Legion Post 139 in Springdale, Arkansas. After serving in Vietnam, Fred earned a business degree from Metropolitan State College in Denver, adopted and raised Danielle and Rick with former spouse Vicki, and embarked on a 32-year career with Phillips 66 in Denver and then in Dallas. Fred met Judy as one of her regular bank customers, and they argued over who had the cutest baby grandson. They never did settle that argument, but he shamelessly won her over by giving her a puppy, and in 1996, they married in a big fairy-tale Cinderella wedding. Seeking a peaceful life away from the hustle of big-city Dallas, they moved briefly to Colorado and then settled in Springdale, Arkansas where Fred worked for Walmart headquarters for 8 years. In his spare time, Fred loved to fish for trout and enjoyed early mornings in his boat on the lake. Fred was the kind of man you want in your corner, always willing to lend a hand, his truck, or an ear. He was quiet and reserved, but when he spoke it was with a purpose. He would catch you off guard with his wit and humor accompanied by a low booming laugh. He shared Judy's love of animals; they had dogs, cats, and even rabbits that they spoiled rotten over the years. He loved spending time with family including his children, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws.

Fred is survived by Judy, his beloved wife of 28 years, sisters Helen Hackethal and Marjorie Huston, brother F. Robert McGregor, son Richard Leyba (Kathryn), daughter Danielle Williams (Peter), stepson Alexander Bevil, stepdaughter Rebecca Gibbons, grandson Michael Leyba (Cheyenne), granddaughter Michelle, step-granddaughter Bekah Kelly (John Scott), step-grandson Anthony Gibbons (Jackie), brother-in-law George Myers (Deborah), brother- in-law Mike Norton, great-granddaughters Savina and Sophia, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Louis, step-granddaughter Elizabeth Williams, and his parents.

A memorial service to honor Fred will be at First Presbyterian Church in Springdale, Arkansas, March 14, 2025 at 11:00 am. A military ceremony will be held at Fayetteville National Cemetery at 2:30 pm that same day.

Family requests that memorials in his name go to www.patriotpaws.org .