CLAUDE CARL LEYVA
66, of Caro, died peacefully at home Wednesday, August 18, 2021 with family and friends by his side following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 20, 1955 in Cass City to Joseph D. Leyva, Sr. and Estela (Pena) Leyva. He met Dawn Miller in 1999 and they married March 4, 2017 in Caro.
Claude graduated from Owendale High School in 1974. He was baptized, received first baptism and communion, and was confirmed at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Gagetown. He worked for the Tuscola County Road Commission as a heavy equipment operator for forty-three years. Claude and Dawn coached his grandson’s Little League baseball teams in Caro for several years. He never missed one of his grandkid’s ball games. A long-time musician, Claude was a drummer in many bands. Music was his life and he loved attending music festivals and parades. He enjoyed talking to everybody, he never knew a stranger. Claude was an incredibly hard worker, always helping people without having to be asked. His loving smile was a reflection of his heart.
Claude is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; daughter, Tiffany (Travis) Parrish; grandsons: Christian Buniack, Ashton Buniack, Kingsley Leyva; sisters: Rosie (Sonny) Quinn of Cass City; Rachel (Jerry) Lamoureux of Cass City; brothers: Joseph (Judy) Leyva of Mayville; Bill (Lucia) Leyva of Brentwood, CA; sisters-in-law: Beverly Leyva of Gagetown; Deb (Tom) Conley of Caro; brother-in-law, Dan (Terri) Miller of Albion. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Ralph Leyva, Paul Leyva; brothers-in-law: Douglas Miller, Duane Miller; sisters-in-law: Linda Leyva, Carmen Leyva.
Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2021 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Deacon David Gillespie officiating with interment in Elkland Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Leyva are: Travis Parrish, Christian Buniack, Ashton Buniack, Tom Conley, Dan Miller, Jerry Quinn; honorary pallbearers: Chad Buniack, Dan Winchester, Kingsley Leyva. Memorials may be made to Dawn Leyva for the family’s wishes. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and photos with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 23, 2021 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday August 24, 2021 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
989-872-2195
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