Daniel Ledesma

Daniel David Ledesma, 73, was born in Kansas City, KS on August 16, 1950. Daniel was 1 of 12 kids and grew up in the Kansas City, Kansas area. Daniel graduated from Argentine high school in 1969. It was in school that Daniel found his love of wrestling, that led him to the sport of boxing. Daniel was an achieved boxer and was a “Golden Glove Boxer” during the peak of his boxing career. Soon after high school Daniel met the love of his life Rachel. Rachel and Daniel were inseparable for 50 years. Daniel always insisted on being at her side no matter the occasion, from cleaning or to just cruising in his beloved Caddy (Cadillac) he was simply content with having Rachel near him; every day was an adventure.

After settling down with his beloved wife Rachel, Daniel soon found another love in life; his 41-year long career with the Santa Fe Railroad, he proudly retired from his post on August 16th,2010. Even after retiring you could find Daniel catching up with his old comrades over breakfast and a strong cup of Jo. Daniel enjoyed 13 years of retirement; every day was a day well spent doing things he loved. Typically, Daniel could be seen thrifting, adding Knick knacks and some of his awesome finds to his beloved Caddy or to his unique yard. If you didn’t catch a glimpse of Daniel sprucing up things, then you could always find him cheering on his favorite team The Oakland Raiders or admiring/ planning his next tattoo. Daniel had an adoring glow, infectious smile, and a heart of gold, which spotlighted into his own personal style because you would never see him without a gold ring on every finger nor without at least 3 gold chains daily. Daniel was a loving, humble, non-judgmental person that would take time out of his day to talk to anyone. He adored spending time with his family especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Daniel was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on August 1st, 2023. Daniel fought as hard as he did during his “Golden Glove” years for 6 weeks and 3 days, until he succumbed to his illness surrounded by his loved ones on September 15th,2023. He entered his final hours, just as stoic and fearless as he was each time, he entered the boxing ring in his prime. He is now peacefully in heaven, where the suffering has been extinguished, looking down on all his loved ones smiling his enchanting smile.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents Marcelino & Elvera Ledesma; brothers Felix, Mitchell, Robert “Bobby”, and Joseph as well as his sister Rita Brewer.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife Rachel Ledesma, daughters Alicia Guillen and Rebecca Nunez. His grandchildren Oscar Espinoza Jr, Letty Nunez, Angelica Nunez & Manuel Guillen; great grandkids, Jairo Nunez-Holguin (little man), Jaleya Rollen, De Angelo Rollen (smokey). As well as by his sisters Loretta Chavez (John), Mary Johnson, Magdalena Ledesma, Florence Ledesma and brothers Pete, John Ledesma.

Daniel will be significantly missed by all that came in to his path, especially by his wife, children and (great) grandchildren. Heaven has gained another Angel.