Ethan LeRoy Capps

LeRoy was the son of Annie Mae Anderson Capps and Ethen Daniel Capps. He graduated from Sherman High School in 1942. He then attended Texas A&M for six months prior to joining the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in March, 1943. He received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant and his wings as a single engine fighter pilot in February of 1944. During his service, he was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He was honorably discharged in February of 1946 as a 1st Lieutenant, and later attained the rank of Captain in the Reserves.

After his military service, LeRoy returned to Texas A&M where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1948. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Houston and joined Tennessee Gas Transmission Company (later Tenneco) as an internal auditor. In 1950, while working on the company’s Community Chest drive, he met team member, Emily Tyson, and they were married the following year. September 8, 2013 marked their 62nd anniversary. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, caring friend, and a devout Christian.

In his 38 year career with Tenneco, LeRoy served in numerous officer positions, including Vice President and Controller of Tenneco Oil Company and Vice President and Treasurer of Tenneco, Inc. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University during that time.

LeRoy had been an active member of First Presbyterian Church since 1952. He had served in many roles, including deacon, elder, Clerk of the Session and as a founding trustee and treasurer of the Presbyterian School. He was a member of the Fellowship Class where he served as Vice President and Membership Chairman. He was also active with Boy Scouts, served as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Blue Bird Circle and was a 10 year member of the Texas A&M Development Council for the business school. He was a member of the A&M Century Club, and a former longtime member of the Houston Racquet Club and the Petroleum Club, where he enjoyed many happy times with friends and family.

LeRoy loved the great outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He especially enjoyed dove hunting with his son and other hunting buddies. He also enjoyed playing doubles tennis, and after retirement he joined a “Senior” golf group. He enjoyed many years of playing bridge, both with his and Emily’s couples’ groups, and his men’s bridge group, mostly for fun and being with friends.

The family would like to thank the Hallmark staff, caregivers Nory Hoover, Theresa Kargbo, Burnse S. Staten and Penny Weathers for their care and concern, and also long-time friend and helper Mamie Wicks.

LeRoy is survived by his loving wife, Emily; daughter, Nancy Capps Bradley of Houston; son, Richard L. Capps of San Antonio; grandchildren, Catherine and Robert Bradley III of Houston and Garrett Capps of San Antonio; sister, Martha Capps Hall and husband Jerry of Georgetown, Texas; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are the elders of First Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 6th of January, at First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston, where Dr. Bill Heston, Executive Pastor, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at the nearby Fellowship Hall.

Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main St., Houston, TX, 77004, or to the charity of one's choice.