Robert Douglas Leonhard, Jr.

Doug earned a BS in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University in 1957. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force on his graduation day, serving 3 years active duty and in the reserves for 9, rising to the rank of captain. He later received an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

In 1958, he married his first wife, Betsy, with whom he has two children. After the Air Force, they embarked on a 23-year adventure with Exxon/Mobil, taking them across New Jersey and New England, and finally to Houston, TX in 1969. Doug was part of the original Friendswood Development Corp. team responsible for the development of Kingwood, a large, master-planned community in northeast Houston.

In 1980, he joined Mitchell Energy and Development Co. as a senior vice president for the Woodlands master planned development. In 1983, Doug married Patricia, his wife of 37 years. Doug was offered a position with USAA in 1986, which led them to their adopted hometown of San Antonio. As a senior vice president in the USAA Real Estate Company, Doug developed La Cantera, including Fiesta Texas, the La Cantera Golf Club and Resort and the Shops at La Cantera.

During his 11 years with USAA, Doug gave back to the San Antonio community, serving as Vice Chairman of the San Antonio Water System, president of the Real Estate Council of San Antonio, chairman of the board of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. While in Houston, Doug was an 8-year member of the Humble ISD Board of Trustees.

After his retirement, Doug worked with private clients through Leonhard Real Estate Services and served on the boards of several Real Estate Investments Trusts.

Doug loved the game of golf...playing, watching and following the circuit. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Pat, especially to various beach destinations. Cruises were their favorite mode of transportation. He was an avid Spurs fan, witnessing all of the Spurs’ championships, with season tickets in every venue.

Doug was the consummate professional, engaging and diplomatic, which opened doors to many opportunities and friendships. He had a lively sense of humor that never left him, even in the last years of his life when dementia set in. He treated others with kindness, and remembered your name, even when he forgot many other things.

He loved his wife, who passed away in 2020, his family and Jesus. He was a fighter until the end, but he knew where he was going. When each birthday rolled around, instead of lamenting, he’d say: “Well, there’s always that alternative!’ That alternative has come for him as an eternal life with Jesus. We know we will see him again!

Doug is survived by his brother, Richard Leonhard of Pt. Pleasant, NJ., Gayle Porter, daughter, and son-in-law, Dave, of Dallas, Rob Leonhard, son, and daughter-in-law, Gaye, of San Antonio. Also, grandchildren Jackie, Mitchell, Payton and Chase and great-grandchildren Chelsea and Brendan.

A special thanks to the staff of the Memory Care division of Discovery Village and the Right at Home staff and caregivers, especially Oscar, and hospice workers, who cared for Doug so well over these last months. And to Gaye Leonhard who looked after all of the details of Doug’s care and went above and beyond to ensure he was comfortable and happy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Porter Loring Funeral Home North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232. To livestream the service, please click here Interment will take place at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tunnels to Towers or the Kellermann Foundation