Leslie Earl Maley

Leslie Earl Maley, age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. He was born in San Diego, Texas on May 2, 1920 to Clyde O. Maley and Louisa Broeter Maley.
Les grew up and wanted nothing more than to live in South Texas. His family was one of the first to settle Collins, an area later to be known to all as Alice, Texas. He had many fond memories to share while growing up with two older brothers, E.O. Maley, Clyde Maley and a sister Carrie Bell Maley. Upon completion of his school years in Alice, he later attended Texas A&I and Texas A&M. As a result of World War II he joined the war effort in December 1941. He received training at several bases in the United States. He later served in London, England for two years. He was discharged as a Captain in 1945. He was reluctant to speak much about his military contribution but was a true patriot as so many others of his generation.
In 1945 it was back to Alice where he was truly at home. Soon after his arrival in Alice, he met the love of his life, Katherine Garrett. They were married on August 17, 1946 and were inseparable for almost 56 years. He began a career as a building contractor and owner of a retail lumber company. He also devoted much of his life to his beloved ranch outside of Alice. Many a head of cattle would call Les, "come back and check on me." How he managed to hear them we will never know. He most enjoyed the solitude and serenity of being outdoors.
A devout Episcopalian, he was a third generation member of the Church of the Advent in Alice. An active member, he served in a variety of lay leadership positions. In 1977, he and Kay moved to Portland, Texas and joined St. Christopher's by the Sea Episcopal Church. Once again, Kay and Les devoted their energy and compassion to their faith. They made many new friends in the Portland area and always treasured their lifelong Alice friendships.
Les is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Deshmukh (Ash), Mark Garrett Maley (Eileen Parr), and Robert Broeter Maley (Melanie), grandchildren, Sheila Deshmukh, Sanjay Deshmukh, Chance Logue, and nephews, E.O. Maley Jr. and Tom Maley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, sister, and his beloved Kay on March 26, 2002.
Les will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to his longtime friend/caregiver Lydia Pena of Portland, Texas. The last few years of dad's life were spent with his daughter and son in law in Houston. Her family and our special friend and caregiver Alicia Castro and family will always be cherished for their love and devotion. The family would also like to thank his most recent caregivers at Trisun Care Center Westwood and Lighthouse Hospice Coastal Bend. We could not have found more compassionate care. We were truly blessed by their devotion. We also thank his recent physician Dr. Nestor Praderio, who gave so much of his time and attention to our dad.
There will be a private family Memorial Service at St. Christopher's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church at a later date. For those who wish, the Maley Family Youth Fund of St. Christopher's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 820 Wildcat Dr. Portland, Texas 78374 will honor your memorials.