Leo J. Braun, Jr.

Our family sadly lost a pillar on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, when Leo Braun passed away following a stroke on Monday afternoon. Leo Joseph Braun, Jr., was a native Houstonian born to Leo Braun Sr. and Carrie Braun on November 6, 1933. Leo was one of five children including his brothers and sisters, Robert Braun, John Braun, Catherine Lamont and Barbara Hartdgen. Leo graduated from St. Edwards University in 1962 where he met his loving wife Georgia Braun. They were married in 1960 and the family eventually moved to Friendswood, Texas in 1969 where they still reside today.

Leo and Georgia were one of the original founding families of Mary Queen Catholic Church where he was a very involved member with the Men’s Council. He was also active in the Friendswood Community and was on the Friendswood Centennial Celebration Committee in 1995.

Mr. Braun was a fixture during the oil boom years of the Houston marine industry. He spent most of his career in one capacity or another along the Houston Ship Channel. He was a stalwart supporter of the maritime industry and made lifelong friendships with many associated with the business. He was an owner and partner at Rio Marine, a towboat-barge corporation, from the mid-1970s through the late 1980s. When Rio Marine was acquired by the Kirby Corporation, Leo was instrumental in assisting with the creation of the Marine Training Center. From there he put his years of experience and calm demeanor to use as a teacher and mentor at the Seaman’s Church Institute. Not one to ever sit still he continued riding towboats and offering up his experience and knowledge at Buffalo Marine until the last few years. In retirement, he had enjoyed telling old tales and sharing great memories with his friends and colleagues as a member of the Brotherhood of Ancient Mariners.

It has been said that death had to take Leo while he was sleeping, for if he were awake, there would have been a fight. He treated everyday like it was a gift and filled every moment with his many pursuits and hobbies. Whether it was creating lovely items in his woodshop, exercising, polishing a much loved, special roadster or cooking away in his kitchen, he was always on the go. He spent a lot of years perfecting home cooked, comfort foods on the towboats and he continued to make wonderful Sunday meals for his appreciative family. No family gathering or holiday was complete without his delicious yeast rolls and his traditional carving of the turkey.

Leo is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Georgia. Leo was the patriarch of a large family and is survived by his four children and their families, Eileen and David Rohan, Skeeter and Renee Braun, Suzette and Keith Caffey, and Carrie Keathley. He was a supportive and proud “Papa” to his eight loving grandchildren, Catherine and Zachary Rohan, Chase and Reese Braun, Alan and Jessica Caffey and Reagan and Caroline Keathley. They will all greatly miss his kind, steady guidance.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted as well as those he reached but never met. Funeral services will take place on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood. A Rosary will be said beginning at 10:00 AM followed by visitation and funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Internment to immediately follow at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster. If you wish help carry on his kindness and loyalty by giving to The Seaman’s Church Institute in his name.