Martin William Leissner Jr, 83, of Camp Creek Lake, Franklin, Texas went to be with his Lord on February 8, 2016. Martin was born on September 7, 1932 in Houston, Texas, to Vivian and Martin Leissner Sr. He lived in Liberty, Texas until 1948, then moved to New Braunfels, Texas where he graduated from high school in 1950. He then entered Texas A&M University in the fall of 1950 and was the class of 1954. Upon graduation from A&M, he received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army He served in the U.S. Army Transportation Corp from July 1955 to July 1957. He served in Korea for 18 months and discharged in July 1957 as 1st Lt.
Upon discharge from the army in 1957, he moved to Houston, Texas to work for C.I.T Credit Corporation. In 1960 he was transferred to Bryan. In 1961 he Married Helen Dedeke and lived in Bryan, He opened his own business, “Hardy Gardens” for 25 years from 1970 to 1995. He had one daughter, Donna, one son, Marc, and four grandchildren, Nicole, Dylan, Jesse and Grace. He is a long time member of First Christian Church of Bryan. He retired in 1995 and moved to Camp Creek Lake near Franklin, Texas in 2005.
He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Vivian Leissner, and his stepmother Ouida Leissner. Also preceding in death is his granddaughter, Nicole Leissner, his nieces, Laura Carlson, and Peggy Huckabay.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Leissner, of 54 years, His daughter, Donna Leissner, his son, Marc Leissner and wife Sally, granddaughter Grace Leissner. Grandsons, Dylan and Jesse Leissner. His brother Jim Leissner and wife Joyce of Seguin, Texas, his sister, Anna Lou Brown and husband Glenn, of Dallas, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
His life will be celebrated and honored with services beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, February 12, 2016, at First Christian Church, 900 S Ennis St. in Bryan, with Pastor Jesse Myers officiating. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at the College Station City Cemetery. Funeral services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Still Creek Boys Ranch and First Christian Church of Bryan.
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Sad to hear of his passing as I always enjoyed talking to him when he would call the newspaper office. Will keep all of you in my thoughts an prayers during this time.
Martin always generously allowed the Spider “D” guys to use his lake house for many, many years. We also visited him and his family in Bryan a number of times and he always opened his home and heart to us without hesitation. We will miss you Martin – you were the best friend anyone could ever have.
I met Martin in 1950 when we were fish at A&M. We roomed together as juniors and seniors for 2 1/2 years at A&M and then were apartment mates in Houston from 1958 to 1960. We had many memorable times together during our “salad years”. I will miss my old roommate. My heartfelt condolences to Helen and the family.
Am so sorry to hear of “Sonny’s” passing (as he was known to family). I remember him fondly from childhood (I’m 5 years younger than he) & only 5 or 6 times after we reached adulthood – he was obviously a good person who will be missed greatly by friends & family…………….does one get to say “GIG ‘EM, AGGIES” upon reaching heaven? My sincere condolences…….cousin, Marilyn Robie of Denver, CO
“Sonny” as our Dodson family called him, was always a more quiet presence among all of us, and certainly a kind, loving soul as well. I remember that my father enjoyed visiting with Sonny when they had the chance.
On behalf of my sister, Marilyn, and my brothers David and Rick, I extend warm sympathies to Helen, Jimmy and Lou, and all of Sonny’s family.
Lawrence T. Cahill 57′
Martin, was always great to the fellows from “spider “D”….. “just remember Martin, it’s just
another Corps Trip, boys We’ll march in behind the band.”
I was walking on the Lake Michigan pier in Grand Haven last summer wearing my Aggie T shirt.
A couple walking toward me happened to be from Bryan-College Station and asked me if I was from Texas as well. I told them I now lived in Round Rock, however my son-in-law Marc and his parents were from Bryan and at one time owned Hardy Gardens. The gentleman happened to be
a retired doctor on vacation, and sure enough a former customer of the store. He remembered and asked me, “Was his name Martin?” This just goes to prove Martin was known far and wide for
his great work. Martin, you will be greatly missed.