Leslie Glen Calder

Les was born on October 13, 1935, in Jacksonville, TX, to Ora and Eva nee Barber Calder. He was a joyfully baptized, steadfastly faithful, and genuinely caring follower of Jesus throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where in 1957 he earned a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He went to work for Gulf States Utilities in Port Arthur, TX, eventually moving to Beaumont, TX, where an MBA from Lamar University in 1972 helped him rise through the ranks of management. Les was well respected by his coworkers, who valued his leadership and integrity. He worked for GSU his entire career, retiring to New Braunfels, TX, after 40 years.F

In 1950, at a church picnic in Hinton, OK, Les met Arvella Constien and immediately was smitten. The couple married on August 20, 1955, and celebrated 66 years of life together in 2021. Every spouse would like to be gazed upon the way Les looked at Arvella. And every child should be raised with the love he showered on their son, Lendol, and their daughters, Lori and Lee Ann.

In 1958, Les was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. He served his country with great satisfaction until retiring as a colonel in 1995. Les loved being active and ran and played tennis for many years. He and Arvella rooted loyally for the Oklahoma Sooners. He found great joy in his church and Bible study groups. He also loved serving others through community organizations such as Scouting, Little League, the food bank, and Meals-on-Wheels. He enjoyed game nights with family and friends, when his jokes and hilarious stories brought smiles and laughter. Store clerks and gas station attendants knew Les as “that really nice man who smiles all the time.”

Les was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife, Arvella; son, Lendol (Anne) Calder of Geneseo, IL; daughter Lori Harris of New Braunfels, TX; daughter Lee Ann (Jim) Anderson of Austin, TX; seven grandchildren: Mark (Brittany) Harris, Paul Harris, Abigail Calder, Andrew Calder, Luke (Barbora) Anderson, Catharine Anderson, and Lily Anderson; and two great-grandchildren, Ezra and Susanna Harris, all of whom made Les enormously proud. He is also survived by beloved extended family members, Barbara Constien, Verlene Ayers, Kenneth Ramming, Larry Constien, and Karen McBee. Les will be dearly missed by all, and we know that he rests now in God’s eternal kingdom in the nearer presence of his Savior.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 24th, 2022, at Cross Lutheran Church on Common St. at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will occur at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Cross Lutheran Church and School Memorial Fund, 2171 Common St., New Braunfels, TX, 78130.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ZoellerFuneralHm.com for the Calder family.