Herman Benardo Leyba

Herman Benardo “Ben” Leyba, 71, passed away on March 22, 2014 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. He was born on January 3, 1943 to Bruno & Madeline Leyba in La Junta. He married Shirley A. Gonzales on June 2, 1962 in La Junta.


Herman was raised in La Junta and was the oldest of 4 children. He graduated from La Junta High School and joined the Army National Guard; retiring in 1981. He worked many years for the La Junta School District.


Herman is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Shirley of the La Junta home; children, John (Laurie) Leyba, Emily (Jose) Guerrero, Nick (Barbara) Leyba, and Cindy (Carlos Jr.) Nunez; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren all of La Junta; sister, Theresa (Adolph) Esquibel of La Junta and one brother, Pete Leyba of Pueblo; also several nieces, nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Tony and sister, Frances.


A memorial fund has been set up at the Academy Bank and those wishing to do so may make donations directly or through the funeral home.


Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Friday, March 28, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. at our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish and Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Father Matthew Wertin officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.