Mr. Carmel Leo "Lee" McElyea IV

It is with great sadness that the family of Carmel Leo “Lee” McElyea IV, age 36, of Garrison, formerly of Henderson, announces his passing on November 2, 2024. Lee was born on December 28, 1987, in Henderson, Texas, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Lee attended St. Gregory and Bishop T.K. Gorman Middle School in Tyler before graduating from Henderson High School in 2006. He later went on to graduate from Kilgore College and attended The University of Texas in Tyler, where he continued to pursue his education and passions. Lee met the love of his life, Rebecca, while in college, and they were married on May 14, 2016 in Tyler, TX. Together, they shared many adventures, and loved traveling across the United States with their beloved dog, Ancel, and also abroad with close family. Their bond was a strong and loving partnership, and Lee was a devoted husband for the past eight years. On July 2, 2024, their lives were further blessed when they welcomed their beautiful son, Carmel Leo McElyea V. Lee had always dreamed of having a son to carry on his name, and he wished for him to grow up to be healthy, strong, kind, and successful in all his endeavors. Above all, he hoped his son would navigate life's challenges with resilience and courage, just as Lee had always strived to do. Lee also had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. He took great joy in being an uncle, using his humor, warmth, and playfulness to create lasting memories with them. His love for his family, and especially the younger generation, was evident in every moment he spent with them. Mr. McElyea had a deep passion for life, enjoying activities such as traveling, hunting, and fishing, and always cherished time spent with family and friends. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution and was honored to be presented at the George Washington Ball in 2005. Additionally, Lee was an active member of the Executive Hunt Club, where he formed lasting friendships and shared his love of the outdoors. Known for his quick wit, southern manners, and his ever-present willingness to help others, Lee made a lasting impact on all who knew him. His generous spirit, sense of humor, and love for those closest to him will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca McElyea and their young son Carmel Leo McElyea V; parents, Carmel and Eleanor McElyea III; sisters, Kimberly Macedo and husband Otoniel, and Natalie Chittenden and husband Jeremy; father and mother-in-law, Russell and Inga Jackson; sister-in-law, Cassandra Steen and husband Thomas; nieces and nephews, Jude Francis, Valerie, Alexander, Isabelle, Leighton, and Landry; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Boyd Anderson, Sr and Mr. and Mrs. Carmel Leo McElyea Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. McElyea will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Henderson with Father Jay Lucas officiating. Interment will follow in Live Oak Cemetery in Big Sandy under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3-6 PM on Wednesday, November 6, in the chapel at the funeral home with a rosary to follow at 6 PM. Pallbearers will be Alexander Macedo, Otoniel Macedo, Jeremy Chittenden, Justin Anderson, Bennett Anderson, Luke Hughes, Eric Hipp, and David Shipp. Honorary pallbearers will Carmel Leo “Leo” McElyea V, Boyd Anderson, Leighton Steen, Landry Steen, Thomas Steen, Rick Jackson, Sam Jackson, and Hunter Jackson. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to a benefit for Leo's college fund. Donations may be made to Austin Bank Benefit 1781, The McElyea Family at any Austin Bank location. Words of comfort may be shared at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Carmel Leo "Lee" McElyea IV

December 28, 1987 - November 2, 2024