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

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.