Mr. LEROY SOLOMON

FORT WORTH -- Leroy Solomon, a long-time resident of Fort Worth, died peacefully surrounded by his family early Thursday morning, Dec. 26, 2013, during his 85th year. Service: 1 p.m. Friday in the Barnett Sanctuary at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen St., with Rabbi Andrew Bloom and Cantor Shoshana Abrams officiating. He will receive military honors from the Martin Hochster Jewish War Veterans Post 755. Following committal prayers, Leroy will be laid to rest in Ahavath Sholom Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to Congregation Ahavath Sholom or to VITAS Innovative Hospice, 6100 Western Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, in his memory is suggested. Born Sept. 12, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Leroy was the son of Julius Ephram and Selma Feldman Solomon. He was raised in Fort Worth on Warner Road with older brother, Manny and younger sister, Diane. After graduating from R.L. Paschal High School in Fort Worth, he attended the University of Texas at Austin. Known for his friendliness, sense of humor and practical jokes, Leroy, his brother and cousin, Norm Alden, were suspected of emptying a box of soap powder into a TCU campus swimming pool in the middle of the night. After traveling across the California desert in 1947 to visit relatives, Leroy returned to Fort Worth to work with his parents and brother at the family shoe business, Red Goose Shoe Store, also known as Solomon's Juvenile Shoe Store, in downtown Fort Worth. Working alongside his children and nieces and nephews, he instilled in them a knowledge of caring, compassion and a solid work ethic. An excellent shoe salesman, special orders and hard to fit children were his forte’. Many of his customers were multi-generational with grandparents bringing in kids who subsequently brought their own grandkids in for shoes. A member of Congregation Ahavath Sholom, Leroy was active in the Jewish community and received many honors including Jewish Man of the Year in 1985 He served as president and board member of the Isadore Garsek B'nai B'rith Lodge and the Max and Mollie Barnett Senior Housing Corp., and was a founding member of Martin Hochster Jewish War Veterans Post 755. He was a past president of Ahavath Sholom's Men's Club and received the Century Club honor for service to B’nai B’rith youth. Also, he served in the Army National Guard for 15 years, was a member of Tabernacle Lodge A.F. & A.M., Moslah Shrine and the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Bodies. Leroy enjoyed international travel, hearing stories and seeing pictures from his grandchildren. He had a passion for gardening, producing bushels of tomatoes and squash for family and friends alike. His fulfillment came from the achievements of his family, whether it be graduation or a new job, “Papa” was always proud of his grandkids. His family wishes to express their appreciation to his trusted physicians, Drs. Stuart Pickell, Shane Kennedy, Dale Anderson, the late Manuel Nazarian and Randall Richwine. A special thank you to Andrea and Raymond. “I see you there on the other side, gazing into those twinkling eyes, that smile upon your face, one with a Big Heart and a Gentle Soul, Tranquility takes over.” He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Manuel Melvin Solomon, and cousin, Norman Alden. Survivors: In addition to his wife, of 61 years, Rhoda Mach Solomon, Leroy is survived by his children, Paul Alan and Debra Hesdorffer Solomon of Dallas, Steven Kirk and Sandra Lynn Will Solomon of Austin, and "favorite" daughter, Gayle Beth Solomon Biemeret of Fort Worth; "Papa" to his grandchildren, Ilene Nicole, Elisa Jean, Sarah Elizabeth, Noah Benjamin, Zachary Joseph, Seth Michael, Abigail Claire and Hannah Mirit Solomon, and Brittany "Boozie" Morgan Ackerman; sister, Diane Solomon Oberstein; and nieces and nephews and their families. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. LEROY SOLOMON please visit our Sympathy Store.