Elias “Lee” Turrubiarte
Funeral services for Elias “Lee” Turrubiarte were held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. Brother Nate Bedford and Sheriff Dennis Wilson officiated, with burial following in Cobb Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Liscano, Anson Wilson, Charles Turrubiarte, Traetin Turrubiarte, Ryan Wietzikoski, Chance Huff, and Bradley Turrubiarte. The family requested his friends and community members to be honorary pallbearers.
Elias “Lee” Turrubiarte was born on May 3, 1942 near Thornton, TX to Fidel and Santos Turrubiarte. He grew up in Groesbeck, TX and attended Groesbeck schools where he was a leading student.
Elias married Bobbie Jeanine Leach on April 1, 1961, and the couple lived in Waco, Pasadena, and eventually returned to Limestone County, settling in Groesbeck where they resided for the rest of their married life. They had three children, David Turrubiarte and his wife Kim of Groesbeck, Adrianna Miles and her husband Woody of Kosse, and Eric Turrubiarte of Groesbeck. He loved his family more than anything else in the world and was very proud of his wife, children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
Elias was a friend to everyone and loved to talk and visit with anyone about anything. He loved to joke around and tell funny stories, and even strangers soon became friends. Elias was generous and eager to help others even when the cost was dear to him.
Elias owned and operated Centex Collision Center in Groesbeck for many years. He had learned about auto body work from Troy Rice at age 15 when he left school to help support his family while his father recovered from a serious injury. He was proud to have later earned his high school diploma and to put his knowledge of auto bodywork to use for many years.
Elias’ greatest work experience was the years he spent with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office. He enjoyed this work and the many friends and colleagues he worked with and took pride in his skill as a deputy and an investigator where he earned a reputation for effectiveness.
Elias passed away on November 29, 2020 in Groesbeck and was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife. He is survived by his children, a brother Rodolfo Turrubiarte and his wife Mary Lew of Plano, a brother Fidel Turrubiarte and his wife Glenda of Groesbeck, 8 grandchildren, 15 greatgrandchildren, 5 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins.