Leonard David Levine

Leonard David Levine, 91, of Harlingen passed away in the early morning hours of June 7, 2025. He was born March 20, 1934 in McAllen, Texas to Ben and Fannie Levine. He grew up in Harlingen, attending Sam Houston elementary school, Travis Junior High, and Harlingen High School on 13th street, graduating in 1952.

Growing up he had sparkling blue eyes and a penchant for mischief. In school, he was involved in Key Club, Hi-Y, De Molay, and Senior Scouts, winning awards in archery and marksmanship. However, it was in sports that he really excelled. He played baseball, tennis, football, and basketball. Hardly a weekend went by in the early 1950’s during football and basketball seasons when he wasn’t mentioned in the paper. Those early 1950’s teams were legend.

Leonard attended the University of Texas before joining the army in 1954. He had an adventurous two years in training, and in Germany, before returning to UT where he met Flora Helen Kahan. They were married in 1958 and settled in Harlingen.

He went into the family business, managing Hartog’s and later The Man’s Shop and Emporium in the Sun Valley Mall. He belonged to the Rotary Club and Jaycees, serving as vice president. He was president of Temple Beth Israel, Harlingen Boy’s Club, and Lettermen’s Club. Leonard and his brother Lewis organized the city basketball league. Their team, The Man’s Shop won city the championship several years in a row.

He also loved playing racquetball, waterskiing in front of the family bay house, playing cards with his friends and betting at the racetrack. The 4th of July was his favorite holiday. He loved dressing as Uncle Sam, decorating the boat and parading up and down in front of Louie’s and the other bayside bars.

Leonard followed the Harlingen Cardinals, Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. He rarely missed a Cardinal football game, even in declining health last season. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and skier, activities that he shared with everyone, but especially his son, Morgan. The things those two got up to! Morgan and Leonard took care of each other. Morgan was steadfast and devoted to his father’s care.

Leonard Levine will be dearly missed by his children, Michell and Dennis DuBose, Morgan Levine, Hilary and James Wood, his grandchildren Charles and Samantha DuBose, Laura and Tim Schumacher, Toby Wood, Kyle Wood and close friend and mother of his children, Flora Helen Levine. He is predeceased by his parents, Ben and Fannie Levine and his brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Dena Levine.

Burial will be Wednesday, June 11, 11:00 am at Restlawn Memorial Park.