George William Lederer Jr.

George Lederer, a loving husband, father and grandfather and an accomplished lawyer, died on February 9 at his home in The Woodlands, after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 64. His death was confirmed by Kathy Lederer, his wife of 41 years.

Mr. Lederer practiced law in Houston for more than 35 years, starting at the firm of Wilson and Guest. He subsequently worked as Associate General Counsel and Chief Trial Counsel for Mitchell Energy and Development Corp. from 1979-1987. He rose to partner at two firms: Jackson Walker L.L.P., and Crain, Caton & James, from which he retired last year. His chief areas of practice were commercial litigation, energy, and insurance and personal injury law.

George William Lederer Jr. was born on September 13, 1947 in Houston, the second of five children of George and Margie Lederer. He attended Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio before enrolling in the Plan II Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from the the University of Texas School of Law in 1972.

First and foremost a family man, Mr.Lederer raised two daughters and a son, and spent his recent years devoted to his granddaughters. Along with his wife Kathy, he is survived by their daughter Leslie Beard, her husband Chris and their children Avery, Ella, and Margo; their daughter Ashley Chinen, her husband Nate and their daughter Athena; and their son George William Lederer III.

Mr. Lederer is also survived by his mother, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and by each of his four siblings: Jim Lederer, and his wife, Leila, Paul Lederer, and his wife, Eleanor, John Lederer, and his wife, Kumi; Suzi Russell, and her husband, Dale.

He was a great example to all who loved him and we will miss him tremendously! The family would like to thank all those who helped George throughout his illness. They have been surrounded by wonderful, loving friends! They have been enriched by all the caring professionals who have taken care of George!

The Lederer family remembers George for his lifelong devotion; his dynamic wit; his fondness for the Texas Longhorns, James Bond and a well made cocktail; and his abiding lust for life. He fought bravely throughout his illness. Donations should be directed to the American Cancer Society.

The memorial service will be held at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Loch Dr., The Woodlands, Texas 77381, on Saturday, February 18 at 12:00 noon.