Leon Fischer

Leon Fischer of Midland passed away on April 17, 2007 after living a fully active 96 years. Born August 27, 1910 to Louis and Katie Fischer, Leon spent his childhood and young adult life in Victoria, Texas before moving to Austin to attend the University of Texas.

He worked his way through the University as a bus boy in a sorority dining room and later as a teaching assistant. He left UT after earning his masters degree in electrical engineering to work for Shell Oil Company. After retiring from Shell he opened his own geophysical consulting firm and later joined American Quasar Petroleum Company.

His work for Shell took him to Louisiana, Michigan, Colorado and then to Oklahoma where he met the love of his life, Ann Loraine Greteman. Ann and Leon married on November 2, 1943 and moved their young family to Midland in 1946.

They were actively involved in St Ann's Catholic Church where they worshiped and their children attended school. Leon assisted in the church's accounting and financing, helped with the organization of the annual Family Fair and was a member of The Knights of Columbus. In the late 1980's he began to worship at St. Stephen's Catholic Church.

Leon had two loves other than his family, bowling and gardening. He enjoyed league bowling until arthritis affected his grip in recent years. He continued to garden leaving behind unharvested onions.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife Ann in 1980 and his daughter Patricia Lea Doherty in 1997. His children Charlie Fischer of Virginia Beach, Janie McCurdy of Oklahoma City, Suzy Fischer of Houston and Katy Fischer of Dallas survive him.

His grandchildren Ed Doherty of Baytown, Texas, Kathy Doherty of Dallas, Shannon Doherty of Fort Worth, Erin Doherty of Dallas, Erika Fischer Faulkner of Virginia Beach, Christopher McCurdy and Elizabeth McCurdy of Oklahoma City survive him.

Viewing will be at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 18, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. A rosary will be held at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at St Stephen's on Friday, April 20, 2007 at 11:00 am. Graveside services will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park along with a luncheon at the church.

Over the course of his long life, Leon supported countless charities. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of his giving life, the family requests you make a donation to the American Cancer Society, 2304 W. Wadley, Midland, Texas 79705, Hospice Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702 or the charity of your choice.

Thank you Dad for giving so much!

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.