Leo Darius

Leo Darius, 85, of Canyon Lake, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, in Wimberley, Texas, after a brief illness. Born in Duesseldorf, Germany on December 1, 1931, he was the son of the late Karl Darius and Gertrude Gures Darius. Leo is survived by his stepsons, Gerald Williams of Austin, Texas and Travis Williams of Amarillo, Texas; brothers-in-law, Keith Vaughn of Tool, Texas, Norman Vaughn and wife Judy of Fort Worth, Texas; sister-in-law, Joyce Vaughn of Arlington, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Leo was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Joyce Marie Vaughn Darius; brother, William "Willy" Darius; and sister, Christine Classen. Leo grew up in Germany and came to the United States as a young man. He adopted the USA as his home and became a U.S. citizen. He kept in close touch with his family in Germany and assisted his brother, Willy, in moving to the U.S. with his family. Leo proudly flew the Stars and Stripes together with the German flag from the deck of his home in Canyon Lake. Leo spoke several languages and traveled the world extensively in his younger years working aboard cruise ships. He spent many years in the hospitality and restaurant industry. He retired as manager of the IBM cafeteria in Austin shortly after Joyce and he moved to Canyon Lake. However; several years later, Joyce convinced him to come to work with her at Deer Creek Nursing Home in Wimberley. With his outgoing personality, Leo found the perfect job as the facilitys van driver. He often joked about driving the "old" people, who were usually 20 years younger than he was, to their doctor appointments. After moving to Canyon Lake, Leo joined the New Braunfels German-American Society. He served as its President for 5 years, Vice President for 3 years, and was on the Board of Directors for 9 years. In 2014 he was awarded a Lifetime Membership for his years of service. Taking family and friends to the Wurstfest, and dancing with Joyce at the annual Maskenball were some of his favorite times. Leo will be buried alongside his wife in Vernon, Texas, where their journey began. Per Leos wishes, no memorial service is planned. However; in true German tradition, in his honor, please raise a glass with a hearty Prost!