C.J. Leslie

C.J. Leslie, of Houston, beloved husband, father, and grandfather went home to be with the Lord on December 2, 2017. He was 81 years old. C.J. was born to Joseph and Helen Leslie on August 6, 1936 in Beaumont, Texas. On January 30, 1959, C.J. married the love of his life, Lera Elizabeth Halpin. C.J. was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served with 144th Infantry, 49th Armored Division. C.J. and Lera settled in Houston where they raised their son Craig, and daughter, Laura. C.J. was the first choir director at J. Frank Dobie High School where he wrote the Fight Song and Alma Mater. C.J. was also the music director of several area Church choirs. C.J. had a lifelong love of baseball and umpired countless games at the Little League, Pony League, High School and Southwest Conference levels. He also was an avid Fisherman. C.J. was the ultimate salesman, having perfected the art with Perry County Fundraising and for the last 16 years at Conn’s.

C.J. was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph Rogers Leslie, Jr. C.J. is survived by his wife, Lera, his son Craig and wife, Shawn, of League City; and his daughter, Laura, and her husband, Charles, of Houston. C.J. is also survived by the three lights of his life, grandsons Jacob and Joshua Leslie, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Shelley. C.J. also leaves behind his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, the Rev. Carroll and Claire Jean Perry, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. C.J. had a love of music and teaching and leaves behind many cherished students who still have fond memories of their time in Choir.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel of Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505 under the direction of Forest Park East, Webster, Texas. Interment to follow at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.