John B. Lahourcade

1924 - 2011

John B. Lahourcade, 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 31, 2011. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John gave those around him a profound sense of security as the strong and steady beacon of his family. He will be greatly missed by all.

John was born on November 18, 1924 in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated from the University of Texas in 1948. He married Mary Lou Williamson in 1947 and adored and cherished her during all 55 years they were married. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. Upon his college graduation, he moved his young family to Brownfield, Texas to work for Standlin Oil Company. After one dusty, lonely year, his native San Antonio wife informed him they would be moving home.

In 1969, he was recruited by client Bob Luby as Chief Financial Officer and assisted in the initial public offering of Luby's Cafeterias. During his many years with the company, he served in various executive capacities and was the Company's third Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He was called back from retirement to lead the company through a difficult time. John's tenure was marked by Luby's significant geographic expansion while always maintaining the highest quality standards.

John's strong faith was reflected in the active role he played as a member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. He served as former Chairman of the Administrative Board, a member of the Board of Trustees and a Director of the church's Foundation. John and his wife took great pride and pleasure in the church's current building, and the steeple is named in their honor. He also was a driving force in the church's columbarium where he will rest next to his wife.

Active in many of San Antonio's civic and charitable organizations, John was a Board member of Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital and the United Way and served as President of the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs. A proud native San Antonian, he also served as director of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and was a director of Las Casas Foundation. He was a 50-year member and past President of the Alamo Kiwanis Club and a member of the San Antonio Country Club and The Argyle.

John's life was a classic American tale. He began his married life with almost nothing and through a lifetime of hard work and determination eventually became Chairman and CEO of a NYSE publicly traded company. He and his wife loved to travel the world. They were a great team with Mary Lou making many fun and exciting plans, and John helping her execute them. His dry sense of humor reflected his amused observation at many aspects of life.

John took great pride and joy in his eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was also a loyal and steadfast friend to many and continued to play cards in the "snake pit" at his club with a group of lifelong friends until his last days.

John was preceded in death by wife Mary Lou Williamson Lahourcade and is survived by daughter Lynne Lahourcade Breuer of San Antonio and sons John Lance Lahourcade and wife Gretchen of San Antonio and Lee A. Lahourcade and wife Virginia of Houston. His surviving grandchildren include Ashley Lahourcade Cruse and husband Sam of Houston; Erin Lahourcade Wolff and husband Harry and Austin Lahourcade, both of San Antonio; Alfred Breuer of Washington D.C.; Williamson Breuer of Los Angeles; Sam Lahourcade, Emily Lahourcade and Rob Lahourcade, all of Houston. His great grandchildren include Sam Cruse IV, Houston Cruse, Shelby Cruse, Harry Wolff IV and John Weldon Wolff. He is also survived by close family members Jack and Roberta Williamson and their family; and Jean and Frank d'Autilia, all of Dallas.

825 E. BASSE

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations can be made to Alamo Heights United Methodist Church 825 E. Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209, the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio,7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229 or the charity of one's choice.