Philip Shepard Leman

Philip Shepard Leman
10/23/1940 - 08/31/2025
Philip Shepard Leman passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025. Born in Houston on October 23, 1940, to Eleanor Barnes Leman and Arthur Louis Leman, he was the third of six children. Philip attended St. Thomas High School and The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with a BBA in Accounting with Highest Honors. Philip spent most of his professional career working alongside his father and brothers running the family business, Southwest Oilfield Products.
Philip's life was never the same after he was set up on a blind date at UT with the love of his life, Jennie Marie Sedita. Philip and Jennie married on April 24, 1965, and by 1971 they had a family of five children. Philip had grown up in the country and remained a country boy all his life. He loved being outdoors, using his hands to build things, and working the dirt – he rarely sat still. Jennie often spoke admiringly of Philip's pure heart, honesty, humility and generosity. During their fifty years shared together, until Jennie's passing in May 2015, they relished in providing a strong and loving foundation for their children and grandchildren. "Gigi and Paw Paw" were an ever-present force of guidance, wisdom and support for their family, never missing an opportunity for a school or sporting event, extracurricular activity, birthday celebration, impromptu family dinner, or to just give a hug. Watching their grandchildren grow and flourish was their greatest joy.
Philip read every book known to man, and many more than twice. He also loved old westerns, classic country music on the replay, and an old fashioned by the fireside or a margarita (on the rocks, with salt) at Molina's. Above all else, Philip loved and cherished being wherever his family gathered- whether piled in the car for a road trip adventure, hunting in South Texas, fishing on the Gulf Coast, or relaxing on the banks of the Guadalupe River at the family home in Hunt. He was sharper than a tack, quietly wise beyond measure, and had a wit that could double anyone over, old and young alike. Philip was greatly loved by all who had the great fortune to know him, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by five children and sixteen grandchildren: Philip Leman, Jr. (Sally), children Claire and Meg; Marion Leman (Liesl), children Allie and Will; Jennifer Shepherd (John), children Cameron McCartney (Jimmy), Jack, James, Laura and Mary; Laura Genung (John), children Mary Michaele, John, Jennie and Wesley; and Tommy Leman (Malorie), children Carolina, Mally, and Lila.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Philip's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 8th at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Life Center.
In his final act of generosity, Philip donated his body to UT Health Science Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hunt Preservation Society's Hunt Flood Recovery Fund, The Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation of the Greater Houston Community Foundation, or a charity of your choice.