B E Leissner Jr.

B E Leissner Jr, born August 31, 1931, at DeTar Hospital in Victoria, Texas, passed peacefully surrounded by family after a short illness on September 18, 2024. B E is predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Johnston Leissner, father B. E. Leissner Sr, Mother Minnie Leah Leissner, and brother Don Carrol Leissner. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Barbara Jo and David Fogt, his children Tracy and her husband Bob Hughes, Bill, Kelly and her husband Jim Munson, Leah and her husband Todd Himmel, Amy and her husband Andrew Spears, Gregg and his wife Cindy, and Christopher and his wife Lori. While it is customary to simply list the number of grandchildren and great grandchildren, B E would never stand for that as they were his pride and joy! He was “Pa” to Harrison Bel Rupp and wife Soje, Melissa Munson, Mallorey and Chandler Himmel, Ivy and Sam Lander, Brady Leissner and wife Rebecca, and Megan Leissner as well as his great grandchild, Belle Everlee Leissner, initials BEL.

We remember B E for his many life achievements.

B E was a graduate of Patti Welder High School (1948), Victoria Junior College (1950), and University of Houston School of Pharmacy (1953). He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant after serving active duty as a pharmacist in the Army Medical Corp at Fort Sam Houston. B E also served as NCO-in-Charge, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon Commander.

B E had a distinguished career of service including the Texas Pharmacy Association where he chaired numerous committees as well as serving as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President of Six Flags Pharmacy Association. He served on multiple boards including Victoria Fine Arts and Victoria Parks and Recreations Commission, where he was one of the founders of The Victoria Zoo. He served as Board President of Jaycees and the Victoria Livestock Show. He also served as a national delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business in 1995. B E was a nominee for Texas Pharmacist of the Year and served as a pharmacy consultant for multiple nursing homes, The Devereux Foundation, Coastal Bend Family Planning, Hospice of Victoria, and Victoria County Jail.

In 1970, B E purchased Victoria Pharmacy, founded in 1931, from his father. He owned and operated the pharmacy until it was sold in 1997. (Lone Tree Pharmacy) He faithfully served Victoria and surrounding area through the pharmacy, as well as Victoria Surgical Supply and Leissner Business Properties. For many years, he penned a column for the Victoria Advocate called “The Bel Rings” where he offered advice and helpful hints. He pioneered computerized pharmacy programs, invented the first prescription refill program, and created an inventory control program and Medicare billing program. After he sold Victoria Pharmacy, B E continued his pharmacy career by serving as relief pharmacist in and around Victoria, serving as an expert witness and consultant, and working part time at Cuero Walmart Pharmacy where he was recognized for significantly increasing their business. When he was trained on the Walmart computer system, he noticed it was familiar and recognized it as the one he and colleagues pioneered, and taught his techs its additional features.

In the later stages of life, B E was a voracious writer, penning Circle J, a western-themed book loosely based on Joan’s father’s life, as well as many other stories and thoughts he often shared with his children and grandchildren. While the collective of these achievements is impressive, those who really knew B E would confirm he lived and breathed for his family. Whether it was rodeo events with his daughters, water skiing with children and friends at the lake, or hosting get-togethers at the 105 Ranch, including the famous annual Memorial Day cattle round up and calf scramble, he was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, talking smart, enjoying meals with the dining table fully extended, and solving the world’s problems. He remained active in his grandchildren’s lives, hosting virtual story hours and family chats, traveling the U.S. for visits, and attending as many of their graduations and sporting events as possible. BE/Pa always kept in close contact with his family and friends via email, phone calls, and video chats.

You cannot talk about B E without referencing his lifelong love affair with Joan. They first met at B E’s 6th birthday party where they shared a wagon ride behind a Shetland pony. Later, while he was home from pharmacy school during the Christmas break and working at the pharmacy, Joan came in the store to redeem a welcome wagon gift certificate. B E nudged his way past the clerk, advising not only would he wait on her, but he was going to marry her. They married 13 months later, raised seven children together, traveled the world, survived a house fire that saw all their possessions lost, and spent their last years sitting on the porch confiding in each other and loving the life they created together. Not only is B E confident in his place in Heaven, but he’s also looking forward to seeing his love again. The lyrics of the song “Til You’re Home” best represent his sentiments here.

Sun through the shadows, light through the door

Voice like an echo, I can’t hear anymore

So, I follow your steps, while the love that you left is burned in my heart

With dreams in my mind of the next time that I have you in my arms

The way that you smile when you think you’re alone

The best gift of this life is to see you up close

Now and again, in the palm of my hand I feel your touch

So, I write it all down in these moments I’ve found ‘til I see you, my love

Finally, B E was asked what advice he would have for his great-grandchildren. It seems to apply to all who survive him:

“When you pick your life’s work, pick something that you enjoy. Pick your life’s mate with caution. Have fun as you go. Do not put fun off until that magical retirement date. The memories that you create in your younger life will sustain you a great deal in your older life. I shall share with you a very startling happening in my life. It never occurred to me that I would get old and much to my surprise one day I was. Family, memories, and an absolute resolution to stay involved in life have made it just another phase of life. I do wish I could hang around long enough to see each of you blossom, but I know you will. There will be hard times and there will be good times. My best wishes to all of you.”

B E joined his wife in heaven at 12:34 pm on Wednesday September 18, 2024. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Family and friends will honor B E at a later date.

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