J. Hugh Liedtke

J. HUGH LIEDTKE, past Chairman and Trustee Emeritus of the Pennzoil Company, passed away on Friday, March 28th, 2003, at the age of 81. Mr. Liedtke was married to the late Betty Lyn Dirickson of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1947. She preceded him in death in 1992. Mr. Liedtke is survived by his five children, their respective spouses and fifteen grandchildren.      Mr. Liedtke received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Amherst College in 1942, an MBA from the Harvard Business School the following year, and a law degree from the University of Texas Law School in 1949. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Lieutenant aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. Mr. Liedtke was active in all phases of the oil and gas industry for over 35 years. He began his career with a fortuitous meeting and handshake with his brother, William C. Liedtke, Jr., whom he encountered by chance on the South Pacific Island of Saipan during the war. They decided that if they survived the war, they would start an independent oil and gas business. As a result, Liedtke & Liedtke was formed in 1949 in Midland, Texas. Together with his brother Bill, and George H.W. Bush, Mr. Liedtke co-founded Zapata Petroleum Corporation in 1953 and Stetco Petroleum Company in 1962. Later these companies merged into South Penn Oil Company, which in 1963 became the Pennzoil Company. Pennzoil was consolidated with United Gas Corporation in 1968. Mr. Liedtke served as Chief Executive Officer of Pennzoil and its predecessor companies from 1953 until his retirement in April of 1988.      In addition to being active in public service and civic endeavors, he was instrumental in the founding of several companies. These companies include Pogo Producing Company, Entex, Battle Mountain Gold Company, and United Energy Resources. During his career, Mr. Liedtke was a member of the All-American Wildcatter's Association and was inducted into the Petroleum Museum Hall of Fame. Hugh Liedtke was perhaps best known for his significant accomplishments in the business community. However, his family and friends believe his true legacy is in the love he gave them, his sense of humor, his generosity, his compassion, and his love for his country.      The family would like to acknowledge and express their deepest gratitude to Mr. Mack Jackson for his loyalty, dedication and long-term friendship with Mr. Liedtke. The family also wishes to thank Mr. James Bartley, Mr. Lin Garner, Mr. Alonzo Richardson, Mr. Giuseppe Bianchi, Mrs. Dominga Valasquez and Mr. Gerald Kelly for their help and support over the past 40 years.      A memorial service will be held for Mr. Liedtke on Tuesday, April 1st, 2003, at 10 o'clock in the morning at First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, with The Reverend William Vanderbloemen officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Mr. Liedtke's residence.      It is the family's request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Mishawaka Foundation, c/o Mrs. Andrea Kent, 2550 North Santa Lucia, Tucson, Arizona 85715, or to the charity of their choice.