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. Born Sept. 12, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Leroy was the son of Julius Ephram and Selma Feldman Solomon. After graduating from R.L. Paschal High School in Fort Worth, he attended the University of Texas at Austin. Leroy worked with his parents and brother, Manny, 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. 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 also was a past president of Ahavath Sholom's Men's Club. 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 family wishes to express 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.
Published in Star-Telegram on Dec. 27, 2013