Leslie Clarkson "Les" Texas

Leslie Clarkson Texas, affectionally known as Les, peacefully passed on November 19, 2023, at the age of 83 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born on October 2, 1940, in Hungary. Les was a geologist extraordinaire and an accomplished independent oil and gas explorer and producer.

With a heart as adventurous as his spirit, Les delved into gold exploration and prospecting during his early years. His passion for uncovering the Earth's hidden treasures led him to become a skilled pilot, traversing the skies to reach mining sites in pursuit of his dreams. In 1978, Les relocated to Houston, established his own oil company, and cleverly took on the name Texas, symbolizing his deep connection to the state he now called home.

For the next four decades he dedicated his expertise to exploring oil fields across the globe, in Eagle Ford and throughout Texas, as well as in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, and São Tomé.

Les was the President and Founder of El-Tex Petroleum and led exploration efforts in Ukraine with Carpatsky Petroleum.

He held a Master's degree in Geology and Geophysics from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest and studied Geophysics and Seismology at Rice University. He was a Certified Petroleum Geologist and valued member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Les found solace in the communities he called home and resided in Houston, Brenham, and then Freer. He embraced the simple joys and cherished the connections he made along the way.

Les Texas will forever be remembered as an accomplished geologist and oil maverick, whose passion for adventure and exploration set him apart. His wit, charm and unrivaled expertise in the petroleum world will leave an indelible mark and continue to inspire future generations.

Les will be dearly missed by family, friends and colleagues.

Let us honor his memory and the positive impact he made on so many during his remarkable life.