Leon Graeter

Leon John Graeter entered his heavenly home July 31st, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Leon was born Oct. 24, 1924, to Earnest and Ellie (Kunkel) Graeter in Paige Texas. He lived most of his life in Paige and Houston, until he and Louise retired to Burnet in 1982.

Leon served his country proudly as an Army Field Artillery Sergeant with the 755th Field Artillery Battalion during WWII. He was drafted right before he graduated High School and three days after graduation he was shipped out. Leon was only 18 years old. Even if he hadn’t been drafted, he always said he would have joined anyway, it was his duty. The biggest battle he fought in was the Battle of the Bulge (Dec. 16, 1944 – Jan. 25, 1945) while attached to the 101st Airborne Division, a bridge was blown up, cutting Leon and the troops off from their supplies leaving them with little to eat. They were encircled by the Germans for 10 days. The 3rd Army and General George Patton came up from the Southeast and saved them from being killed or imprisoned.

After Leon got out of the Army he came back to Houston where he met Mary Louise Wideman, the love of his life. They were married on June 6, 1947, and spent sixty seven years together. Their devotion to each other is truly a love story. As Leon lay in the hospital, unresponsive, this week she sang love songs to him. He heard every word.

Leon worked hard during his lifetime; first as a mechanic, then as a Property Manager and Real Estate Broker. When he came to Burnet, he worked for his son’s Painting Company in Austin. There was nothing he couldn’t do.

Leon’s biggest accomplishment was his family. He was a rich man when it came to family and the love they all had for him. He epitomized head of the family and everyone went to him with everything for his advice. There aren’t many men left in the world that put their family first, no matter what. Leon always did. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed beyond words.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and one brother. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Louise, one son Russell and wife Doris of Burnet, daughter Tina Chambers and husband Ryan of Burnet and daughter Belinda Carson of Houston. Six grandchildren; Robin Carson of Louisiana, Jessica Haley of Marble Falls, Royce Graeter and fiance’ Missy from Kingsland, Sandy Kinsey and husband Bryan of Burnet, Chance Chambers of Burnet and Caleb Chambers of Burnet. Eight great grandchildren; Shay Graeter of Burnet, Raul Castillo of Houston, Brittany Mitchell of Houston, Collin Graeter of Burnet, Cole Kinsey of Burnet, Carley Kinsey of Burnet, Elli and Adison Alexander of Marble Falls. Leon is also survived by one great-great grandson, Aymn Elliott of Burnet as well as two brothers Lee Roy Graeter of Nederland, and Harold Graeter of Tennessee.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, August 3rd at Clements- Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. Visitation is Saturday August 1st from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Those named as pallbearers were Royce Graeter, Bryan Kinsey, Ryan Chambers, Collin Graeter, Cole Kinsey, Raul Catillo, Chance Chambers and Caleb Chambers.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com