Leo Herbert Stakemiller Jr.

Leo Herbert Stakemiller Jr. was an only child, born in Houston, Tx into a family of German immigrants. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Texas A&M but before graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy during WWII. Leo was one of the lucky ones to get a duty station state side in New Orleans versus being shipped to the chaos in Europe. During this time, he also received education at the College of Pharmacy at Southwestern University, gaining knowledge he would use over the next 40 years during his career in the pharmaceutical business, following in his father’s footsteps. Leo was also a dedicated Mason and Noble Shriner, devoted to fellowship, moral discipline and philanthropy.

In the mid-60s, Leo met Sammie while they were working for the same organization and started a courtship. Eventually, Leo and Sammie married and moved to north Texas where he wasted no time teaching his new family to fall in love with the outdoors through camping. Every summer, camping was the plan…visiting state parks all over Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Leo had been a boy scout, Eagle scout, and troop leader for most of his life so camping was something he was very passionate about. Caravaning became the family “thing” throughout the years and wonderful experiences were had and fond memories were made by all.

Leo’s promotion to head the division of the company he worked for many years is what brought the Stakemiller’s to Corpus Christi. The esteem and respect of his employees was both admirable and touching to witness. Leo was truly a “man of the people”. He was never too busy or too important to help when help was needed. Leo might give a family an advance on their salary to pay an unexpected expense or give time off without question to let folks care for family matters, or maybe just to roll up his sleeves and work side -by-side with staff doing whatever had to be done.

Even though restricted to a wheelchair in the late 90s, Leo continued to be very active in his membership at First United Methodist Church. He would roll aboard the RTA early every Sunday morning and head to FUMC to greet at early service, attend Sunday school at the Cooper class, and greet again at the later service before riding the RTA back home. Leo was genuinely duitiful to the church, serving as greeter for 30 plus years.

Leo was a mentor who demonstrated his character through both actions and words. He consistently displayed a sense of understanding, always acknowledging the feelings of others and making people feel “seen”. He faithfully kept in touch with his family through weekly emails or phone calls and was quick to offer free advice or to help when help was needed. Leo was committed to the happiness and wellbeing of others and was a kind-hearted, decent human being.

Leo is survived by his children Susan Quinn of Corpus Christi, Stephen Stakemiller (Julie) of Houston, Susan Kaspar (David) of La Grange, a handful of grandchildren and dedicated family friends Bobby Morris (Ana) and daughter Sonia.