Lee Bachman

Lee Bachman, beloved husband, father, friend and grandfather, died on February 21, 2026. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 2, 1939, to Joe and Macile Bachman. He spent his early childhood in Omaha until at the age of 14, he decided to enter the seminary. This was surprising as he had once been expelled from Catholic school at the age of seven, and as his mother pointed out, he wasn't even an altar boy.

He entered the Redemptorist Catholic seminary in Kirkwood, MO where he spent six years beginning his studies. He then entered the major seminary in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He made lifelong friends there and these friendships continued with standing weekly Zoom meetings up until his death. His time in the seminary enabled him to define himself as a student, a seeker of truth and a champion of the poor.

After his ordination in 1965, his first assignment was at the Rock Church in St. Louis, Missouri. He was then assigned to Holy Ghost Parish in Bellaire, TX where he spent three years serving the community. His last assignment as a priest was in Baton Rouge, LA. He left the priesthood in 1971 and returned to Houston where he attended the University of St. Thomas and received a master's degree in religious education. He went on to serve as Director of Religious Education at Prince of Peace Parish in Houston, TX. In 1973, he married Paula Shell, and this year would mark their 53rd wedding anniversary.

In 1982, Lee left Prince of Peace and partnered with a friend to start Suncraft Construction. He enjoyed 28 years of building strong relationships with his clients. His heart was always dedicated to education however, and during this time, he taught Religious Studies and Ethics at Our Lady of the Lake University's Houston campus. Lee was a passionate educator, curious about everything, and dedicated to his students.

Sports played a major part in Lee's life, especially baseball. As soon as spring training started, his mood was buoyant. He loved the "Boys of Summer." He spent countless hours watching games as well as talking with his son Joe about stats, players and all things Astros.

He was also an avid reader. After his retirement, he spent hours reading books he had never had time to read before. His favorite Christmas presents were subscriptions to the New Yorker and Atlantic magazines.

His friends were many, but he and Paula especially enjoyed their time traveling with their dear friends, Mike and Mary Bray. They enjoyed an annual trip to Pagosa Springs, Colorado for 20 years. They also took numerous trips to New York City with the Brays as well as a trip to Germany during their daughter Amanda's internship there.

Lee loved being married and loved being a father and grandfather. He spent hours nurturing his children, imparting words of wisdom and attending numerous sports games and dance recitals.

He is survived by his wife Paula, his daughter Amanda Bachman Taylor (Michael), his son Joe Bachman (Jamie) and four grandchildren, Noah, Sarah, Ryan and Declan. He is also survived by his brother, Howard Bachman. He will be deeply missed by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews, and their spouses and children whom he deeply loved.

A private celebration of life is being planned.