IVAN RAY LESCHBER, 90, of Taylor, TX went to his eternal home on October 15, 2023, at the EXACT same time 7:34 am, EXACT day, a Sunday, and EXACTLY 7 weeks from the day his beautiful wife, Barbara Jean Leschber, lost her valiant fight with ovarian cancer. Through their faith and living a Christian life, they are now reunited for eternity in heaven.
Ivan was born on September 25, 1933, in Taylor, TX to Ewald John Leschber and Mamie Angel Schroeder Leschber. A graduate of Taylor High School in 1951. His nickname was "Tootles" and was a superb athlete, voted "School Favorite", crowned "1951 Carnival King" and a Yell Leader.
He earned a basketball scholarship from Texas Lutheran College and graduated with a Degree in Education and earned his Professional Superintendent Certification from Southwest Texas State University in 1981.
His "dream" was to be a basketball coach. In 1958, he became the basketball coach for Thrall ISD, and won the first two district titles in boys' basketball in the school's history. He helped the Thrall Tigers advance to their first Bi-District and Regional finals in football. He always said he had great kids to coach at Thrall and Randolph H. S. and together he won 6 District Championships, 3 Bi-District, and 1 Regional Championship. His accomplishments and achievements, professionally and personally, continued for decades after.
In Ivan's last year of coaching, he met the love of his life, Barbara, and soon after married. He would say "You are my own version of Doris Day with a pretty face, cute freckles and great sense of humor". Barbara always referred to Ivan as finding her prince: a tall, dark, and handsome basketball coach/educator. They would begin on a beautiful life journey together and dedicate themselves for over 40 years each, to serving as Public Educators in the Taylor community. For decades, Ivan was the beloved and respected Principal at 12th Street Elementary and TH Johnson Elementary in Taylor. In addition to being a Principal, Ivan worked 3 jobs at a time to make a better life for his family. Ivan taught Driver's Ed every summer, was an Official at The University of Texas Track and Field for 40 years, while refereeing football, basketball, and baseball. His very best friends were made from his time in sports and education.
"Once a Duck, Always a Duck"
He had a very strong work ethic; treated his teachers with respect and cared about the children, their education and that they were taken care of. Teachers would tell the family that Ivan was the best Principal they ever worked for. There are many stories of Ivan driving to kid's homes, if they were not at school, to check on them and bringing them to school.
At the age of 75, he retired from refereeing to attend his grandson's Austin High Football games. To watch sports with Ivan was like sitting next to a sportscaster who knew all the stats, players' history and made the game calls.
Barbara and Ivan celebrated 56 years of marriage on July 15, 2023. The family was together for a fun-filled anniversary weekend. In a letter the family found to Barbara, Ivan wrote "I will do my best to express my love and appreciate all the great support you have given for over the years. You have been the love of my life and a great Mom, Bobbie and Great-Gram Bobbie. I enjoyed going to work every day in my profession, but always looked forward most to coming home to you." Above all, they both loved and adored their family most of all. Ivan was humble in his accomplishments and such a loving Husband, Father, G-Pa, Gramps and Great G-Pa.
Ivan and Barbara loved history and got such pleasure and joy traveling the world. They enjoyed visiting Europe and the historical sites many times and going on many river cruises/ocean cruises to the Mediterranean and more.
Additional Accomplishments:
1985 - Recognized and awarded by The White House and The Department of Education while Principal at TH Johnson Elementary, the "Excellence in Education Award" which was presented to Ivan in the Rose Garden of the White House.
2011 - Inducted as an "Emeritus Member" by The University of Texas, Track and Field Officials Association and recognized as the longest serving Official for 40 years.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife and best friend, Barbara Jean Menning Leschber; brother, Curtis Leschber; many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins that had a positive impact on his life.
Ivan is survived by an ADORING family; sister, Rosalie Havelka; 3 loving children: Matthew Leschber/wife Alicia; Christi Davidson-Magee/husband Bob; Sharon Naegeli Marallo/husband Carmine; 5 grandchildren, who were so precious to him: Aaron Davidson/wife Ashley; Brooks Naegeli/wife Bri; Preston Naegeli/wife Bre; Rachel Johnson/husband Ryan; Madison Brooks/husband Blaine; 8 great-grandchildren - who were his delight: Sawyer and Stella Naegeli; Mila, Liam and Maddox Naegeli; Arya and Axton Davidson; Bronson Brooks; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
The family is grateful and blessed with the unconditional love and support our parents always showed us. While our hearts are heavy, know the impact and imprint you have made on so many lives, which was both of your missions in life. Barbara wrote "The Legacy We Leave Is In the Lives We Touch." You both accomplished your mission...job well done, now Rest in Peace and Rest in Love Together. You are forever loved and forever a part of our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 1:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 401 W. 7th St., Taylor, TX. A reception will follow at: 5th & Vance Events Center, 301 W. 5th St.; Taylor, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: www.LeschberMemorialFund.com or checks can be mailed to: "Leschber Memorial Scholarship Fund"; 5114 Balcones Woods Dr.; Ste. 307-#372; Austin, TX 78759.
The family will keep both Ivan and Barbara's legacy alive by annually awarding scholarships in their names to graduating Seniors of Taylor High School. There was nothing they would have wanted more.
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