Leslie J. Jeko

Leslie Jewel Jeko, loving husband, Daddy, and Papa, peacefully passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, the 22nd of August 2021. He was born on the 1st of March 1930, in Port Arthur, Texas. Les proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and he received his CPA certificate in July of 1961. He began his accounting career with Ernst & Ernst accounting firm in Houston, Texas and completed his career with Chemical Exchange Industries, Inc. in Houston as their Chief Financial Officer.

An avid Longhorn and Astros fan, Les enjoyed golfing with his buddies and family. He also took great joy in watching his grandchildren play sports and traveled to see their games. He was a professional grandfather and took immense delight in supporting his grandchildren in every way.

Les was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church since 1962 and served as a deacon since 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel Edward and Hazel Mae Heard Jeko, his brother Edward Raymond Jeko, and his sister Ruby Tipton. Les is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Parr Davidson Jeko. He had his first date with his “sweetheart”, Parr, on August 24th, 1948. They were married December 24th, 1950 and last year they celebrated their 70th anniversary. Their love story is an inspiration to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who meet them. Their devotion to each other remains an incredible example of the Christ-like love that God intended marriage to demonstrate.

Les is also survived by his two daughters and their husbands: daughter, Catherine Parr Thompson and husband, Layne, grandchildren Calvin Dolder and wife, Miranda, Neil Dolder and wife, Linda, Caitlin Thompson, Will Thompson and wife, Allie, great-grandchildren Trent and Gareth Dolder, Kenzie Jewel and Audrey Catherine Dolder; daughter, Cindy Blades and husband, Bob, grandchildren Joe Blades and wife, Katie, Travis Blades and wife, Jenny, Christiana Blades Mouser and husband, David, and Jason Jeko Blades and wife, Lyla, great-grandchildren Jack, Bonnie, and Lee Blades, Emmaline Parr and Archer Blades, and Jonathan and Benjamin Mouser.

The memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 27th of August, in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston. For guests not able to attend in person, the service will be accessible via livestream at www.second.org/liveevents.

Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Les Jeko by donating to a charity close to your heart.