Crockett “David” Leyendecker Jr.

Posted 1/4/21

Crockett “David” Leyendecker Jr., 66, of Columbus, Texas stepped through Heaven’s gates on December 30, 2020.

He was born June 12, 1954, the oldest of three kids to …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Crockett “David” Leyendecker Jr.

Posted

Crockett “David” Leyendecker Jr., 66, of Columbus, Texas stepped through Heaven’s gates on December 30, 2020.

He was born June 12, 1954, the oldest of three kids to Doris Kallus Leyendecker and Crockett David Leyendecker Sr. in Columbus, Texas. Growing up on the family farm/ranch, he spent many hours on a tractor, which inspired his love of hard work, exploring the outdoors, and his animals. He had the benefit of growing up just down the hill from his maternal grandparents who were a big part of his life.

David graduated from Columbus High School in 1972. During his first semester of college, David met the love of his life, Connie Muske of La Grange and they were married August 9, 1975.  David graduated from Texas A&M in 1976 with a degree in Civil Engineering and left the University as a licensed Professional Engineer, Surveyor and Real Estate Broker.

Immediately after graduation, David was hired by Dr. Herman Clay of O’Malley and Clay Engineers in Richmond and became a partner in 1986 changing the name to Clay & Leyendecker, Inc. David represented many clients over the years including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, many cities as their "City Engineer", including the City of Katy (40+ years), the City of Waller (40+ years), the City of Fulshear (30+ years) and many other smaller towns and MUD districts. Not much was built on the west side of Houston that did not come across David’s desk first.

David’s next two loves in his life, came via his daughters, Kimberly Ann (1980) and Kristen Lynn (1986). He instilled in them that kindness, generosity and integrity were paramount. His go to advice was “Always do your best.” He spent countless hours pacing up and down a volleyball court watching both of his girls play a sport that they loved. Always giving them his, “The floor is your friend” speech before every match. He always graciously made time for his daughters no matter how inconvenient or how busy he was.

David was blessed with two granddaughters, Shelby (2007) and Taylor Johnson (2011) and one grandson, Levi Carden (2017). Papa spoiled his grandchildren and always greeted them with a dollar bill every time he saw them. They also knew that Papa would always have snacks and treats waiting. He especially loved to make his special sourdough pancakes, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls for them, but always called for backup when it came to cleaning the mess.

From when he was little, David, the explorer, had a real knack for finding arrowheads and it was the first of many hobbies. As a young teen, David found an Indian burial ground on the farm and then in his thirties a mammoth jaw and teeth. In later years, his children were always amazed at how he could spot arrowheads from inside the truck while driving through a pasture. This love of exploring brought him joy throughout his life and most of his hunting trips were simply an excuse to get out in the woods so that he could explore. He had many hobbies over the years including scuba diving, hunting, fishing and his latest hobby was flying. David bought a plane and took flying lessons for over two years and got his pilot’s license at the age of 62. When his license came in, he finally told his daughters, who hadn’t a clue. He was probably the best ever at keeping secrets.

David never met a stranger. He would give you the shirt off his back and truly had a servant’s heart. This heart for people led him to be part of the Rotary Club in Katy where he served a term as President. The family spent many trips on the side of the road while David was changing someone’s tire or helping someone that ran out of gas. They also spent many hours stuck in the mud in the pasture because he always thought, “We can make it.”

David is survived by his wife of 45 years, Connie Leyendecker of Columbus, his daughters, Kimberly Johnson and husband Ross, Kristen Carden and husband Luke, his grandchildren, Shelby and Taylor Johnson and Levi Carden, his mother Doris Leyendecker all of Columbus, his sister Bonnie Roesler and husband Rocky, his mother-in-law Leda Mae Muske, his sister-in-law Diana Michalsky and Tony all of La Grange, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

David was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Crockett Sr. and Dorothy Leyendecker, his little brother, Karl Leyendecker and his father-in-law, Nelson Muske. 

A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers and memorials, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness or generosity in his memory, as David did so many times.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.