Thomas (Tommy) Martin Leicht, Sr. “PawPaw”

March 7, 1931 - March 9, 2023

Thomas Martin Leicht, Sr. of Beaumont passed peacefully, surrounded by loving family on March 9, 2023. He was 92. Tommy was born in Beaumont on March 7, 1931, the youngest of 6 children of Rosa and Harry Leicht, Sr. and was a lifelong resident. He was the great grandson of Joseph Martin Hebert, one of the early settlers of Jefferson County. Joseph was a landowner and cattle rancher in Jefferson and Chambers Counties. He eventually turned thousands of acres to rice and soybean farmland. Tommy has diligently managed the leasing contracts for the farms for many years.

Tommy was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean War, where he was stationed in Japan. He was very proud when his son Tommy Leicht Jr. and his grandson Tommy Leicht III also served in the Air Force. We honor their service, and all who serve.

Tommy attended Lamar University, receiving a business degree and was a proud alumnus. He also completed a Graduate program at the School of Banking at The University of Wisconsin. Tommy worked at several banks in Beaumont until retiring from Community Bank of Texas where he served as Senior Vice President. He was very active in the Young Men’s Business League, serving for a time as President. He was very proud of the organization’s activities, and especially enjoyed the rodeo and the South Texas State Fair. He was deeply devoted to the Catholic Church and was a member of St. Anne’s, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for home bound members.

Tommy was raised in a large, close-knit family who cherished their time together and spent as much time together as possible over the years. He maintained close relationships with countless nieces, nephews, and cousins for his entire life and dearly loved his extended family.  Tommy (AKA PawPaw) instilled that same value in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren- family wasn’t just important, it was everything! Being with family was his passion and his joy. He married his great love, Barbara, and they were blessed to spend 43 years together until she passed in December 2022. They effortlessly blended a big, loving family and were at the heart of every gathering, many of which were held at their treasured Crystal Beach.

Equally dear to Tommy were his countless friendships, many of which began in high school. He and Barbara enjoyed spending precious time with their dear friends. He especially loved his “coffee buddies” and was able to meet with them recently. The family is very grateful for the joy, love, and compassion shown to both Barbara and Tommy by all of you.

Survivors include his daughters, Terry Leicht and her husband, Mark Kinley, of Kemah; Sharon Barker; and Brenda Leicht; sons, Tommy Leicht, Jr., and his wife, Alexandra, of Beaumont and Von Honsberger and his wife, Stephanie, of Missouri City; daughter, Kristen Broussard and her husband, Eric, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Matthew Shailer and his husband, Peter Chickris, of Washington, DC; Katelyn Burch and her husband, Colby, of Santa Fe; Justin Kinley and his wife, Rebecca, of Chatanooga; Nicholas Barker and his wife, Charissa, of Kountze; Chelsea Schexnider and her husband, Cory, of Lumberton; Thomas Ray of Beaumont; Tommy Leicht, III of Houston; Christina Leicht and her fiancé, Xander Hughes, of Austin; Sabrina Salazar and husband, Edgar Leon, of Katy; Samantha Salazar of Austin;  Eric Honsberger and his wife, Katy, of Karnes City; Evan Honsberger and his wife, Jamie, of Richmond; Allison Wagstaff and her husband, Kyle, of Nome; Elyse Broussard of Beaumont; Chelsy Broussard of Houston; Jacob Broussard and his wife, Kelsey, of Jersey Village;  and great-grandchildren, Emma Burch, Carter Burch, Vivian Kinley, Jeremiah Barker, Nathan Barker, Landen Grass, Taylor Schexnider, Korleigh Schexnider, Ivan Leon, Ruby Honsberger, Brody Honsberger, Ethan Honsberger, Ava Honsberger, and Ford Broussard. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Skippy.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; brothers, Harry and Bob; and sisters, Catherine, Heloise and Clifford.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Altus Hospice of Beaumont for their compassionate care.

A gathering of Mr. Leicht’s family and friends will be from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., with a Time of Sharing at 6:15 p.m., and a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall following the Mass. His interment with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Veterans Commission, P.O. Box 12277, Austin, Texas 78711 donate online.

Video

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • March 14, 2023
  • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Time of Sharing

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • March 14, 2023
  • 6:15 pm

Rosary

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • March 14, 2023
  • 7:00 pm

Mass of Christian Burial

St. Anne Catholic Church
  • 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
  • March 15, 2023
  • 10:00 am

Reception Following Mass

St. Anne Catholic Church Parish Hall
  • 2715, Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77702,
  • March 15, 2023

Interment with Military Honors

Forest Lawn Memorial Park
  • 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
  • March 15, 2023

Comments (14)

    Walter and Mary Brocato says:

    Tommy Light was as friendly a person as you would ever meet. A nice guy. I used to see him presiding over the coffee group at Market Basket. He was a good friend of my father, Anthony Brocato, and he was my friend as well. I am sorry to hear that he has passed. Our prayers are with Tommy and with his family.

    Paul W. Chargois says:

    What a kind, wonderful man of faith. I’m very saddened by this news as is everyone who knew Tommy and remain on this earth. There is, however, a celebration in heaven. My condolences to his entire family and countless friends. I remain YBIC my friend.

    Gwen Kinne says:

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven has gained another Angel ????. Well done my good and faithful servant ????????

    Ed & MARY Burks says:

    Had dinner with Tommy & Barbara Friday nights for years, will miss these special times together. RIP MY GOOD FRIEND.

    Debbie Ray says:

    I Worked with Tommy for many years at the Bank..
    Such a wonderful man…full of humor and always had a Big Smile..

    Christine Juckett says:

    Von and Family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
    Chris

    Ethel Prater says:

    I worked with Tommy many years beginning with First Security Bank downtown Bmt.
    He had a sense of humor and laugh distinct to him.
    An asset to the community with many organizations
    He was involved in and many loyal customers through the years. May his family have special memories during
    This time.

    Glinda Masters says:

    Such a kind, respected man. Worked with him at the bank and he always had a smile and kind word to say. May he Rest In Peace.

    Connie and Jerry Philmon says:

    Our condolences to the family. You will be missed by all, Tommy!

    Drew Polk says:

    Tommy was a kind person and always enjoyed listening to his stories when I would bump into him occasionally. He served our community well and I will miss his smile.

    Roy D. Kirkland says:

    Tom Leicht was a good friend and Brother
    Knight. I got to know him at First Security Bank, where he helped me to get an advancement from weekend garage attendant to a Commercial Teller for Earl
    Jones. Later was moved to Proof Operator on his recommendation under Murrie Morgan.
    Always a pleasure to talk to and be with.
    Roy D. Kirkland

    Ruby Bell says:

    Sincere condolences to your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.

    Diane+Cannon says:

    Such a special guy!

    Donna Fertitta says:

    To the family.

    Just wanted to say what a kind,big hearted ,caring and loving dad y’all had.He was so blessed when all the g kids were around . z they were his world.I always looked up to him for advice or a great conversation.He will missed and loved by everyone.Rip(hoobistank) lu

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