Lemuel Louis Leach III

Chip was born on February 28, 1952, in Baytown, Texas to Lemuel Leach Jr. and Joy Leach and moved to Houston at the age of 11. After High School he remained in Houston to attend college, earning his degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Houston in 1979. In 2021, after a 42-year career, Chip retired as the President and CEO of Colorado County Oil Co. and Bluebonnet Petroleum, located in Columbus and Brenham, Tx., respectively.

Chip met the love of his life, Marisa Ramirez, in 1993 and embarked on their 32-year romance, marrying in Scotland in 2000. Chip and Marisa shared a passion for traveling and enjoyed their unique annual vacations to all stretches of the world.

Chip also had a passion for art and motorcycles. During his time off, if he wasn’t on his motorcycle he could be found painting, carving wooden bowls or creating sculptures out of copper. In more recent years however, perhaps his greatest passion surrounded the love he had for his two granddaughters. The loving father to two sons, Chip secretly prayed for granddaughters. His wish came true in 2016 with the birth of his first granddaughter, Kennedy Leach, and 2018 his second granddaughter, Blake Leach. Chip cherished and adored every second spent with his granddaughters and would constantly update his photo stock to show them off to anyone and everyone.

Chip was always happy and never met someone he couldn’t befriend. He continually had a way to brighten your day and was the first person to offer the shirt off his back if needed. He treated his employees as his own family and did everything in his power to ensure they were always taken care of, continuing even after retirement.

The majority of whom his children and grandchildren are today came from him and we could not be more grateful. We will never forget and will forever miss his infectious laugh, amazing smile, and free spirit.

Chip is survived by his loving wife, Marisa; sons, Trevor, and Matthew Leach; daughter-in-law, Colleen Leach; granddaughter’s, Kennedy and Blake Leach; brother, Andrew and wife Steffany Leach; sister, Eliska and husband Terry Amyx; niece, Elise Daniel; and nephews, Alex Leach, Daniel Leach, Steven Amyx, and Hunter Moore; as well as many other family members and countless close friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Lemuel Leach Jr, and his mother, Joy Leach.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family has requested to make a charitable contribution to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the American Heart Association, in memoriam of Chip.

• St Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

• American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/

Memorial services for Lemuel Louis Leach III “Chip” will be at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, located at 12800 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77077 on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Visitation begins at 9:00 AM, and funeral services begin at 10:00 AM.