Roll Call Tribute

Leo Rufus Spaeth, Jr. 

March 10, 1948 - December 30, 2025 

Leo Rufus Spaeth, Jr., 77, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at his home in Houston, Texas.

He was born on March 10, 1948 in Harlingen, Texas to Leo and Edith Spaeth. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Proske Spaeth and his parents Leo and Edith Spaeth. He is survived by his two daughters, Theresa Spaeth and Rebecca Spaeth Peters and her husband, Seth Peters, as well as his grandchildren, Juliana and Jacob.

Leo graduated from Spring Woods High School in Houston in 1966. He went on to attend Texas A&M University as a member of the Class of 1970 and graduated in 1972 with a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering. It was there in College Station that he met his lifelong best friends, Jim Woods, Bud Sutton, and Clifton Smith - bonds that remained strong throughout his life.

After completing his degree, Leo partnered with his father, Leo Spaeth, Sr., to establish Aggie Construction Co., a commercial general contracting business based in Houston, Texas. He was a hardworking and honest man. Anyone fortunate enough to have him build for them knew their structure would stand strong for generations. He had a reputation for creating things that lasted. 

Although he primarily constructed auto parts stores and tilt-wall or steel warehouses, he never hesitated to mix in the occasional convenience store or BBQ restaurant. Fellow contractors remember him for his constant willingness to lend a helping hand on the jobsite. To Leo, the people he worked with were never just subcontractors or names on a project—they were friends. Because of that, he formed decades-long friendships with many in the construction community.

Leo’s life was deeply rooted in being an outdoorsman and craftsman. He did everything from creating his own leatherwork to woodworking. At an early age, in 8th grade, Leo built a wooden left-handed desk that won him a prize in a state competition. Years later, after marrying Peggy, he used those same skills to build furniture for their home. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He found joy in every moment spent outdoors—from the quiet mornings in a deer stand in Junction, Texas, to carefree days swimming in the Arroyo Colorado as a young boy, to the peace he found at his “Happy Place” on the Colorado River near Matagorda. Nowhere was Leo more himself than when he was surrounded by nature. He would go on to share his love for the outdoors with his two grandchildren. He spent the last several years teaching his grandchildren how to fish and drive a boat. His granddaughter could always convince him to go on a sunset cruise or do a little night fishing, even when the fish weren’t biting. And he treasured sharing a bowl of freshly popped popcorn with his grandson on the pier.

Leo also loved to travel. From trips with friends to Hawaii and Alaska to serving as a stand-in for his mother-in-law on a Catholic pilgrimage to Israel with Peggy, he embraced every opportunity to see the world. He especially enjoyed the weekslong road trips to National Parks and iconic destinations that his eldest daughter, Theresa, planned. Those journeys carried him to the East Coast, the West Coast, and countless places in between. Traveling together became one of the best ways to make lasting memories with Peggy, Theresa, Rebecca, Seth, and the grandchildren.

Leo is missed by so many. His sister, Barbara, feels the absence of their daily hourlong phone conversations and his visits out to the country. His daughters miss the comfort of his voice and the warmth of his smile. Friends miss their trusted fishing buddy or the unexpected phone call to say hello and catch up. And his grandchildren miss sharing every new accomplishment—both in school and in life—with the grandfather who was always proud of them.

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:30AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, located at 10688 Shadow Wood Dr., Houston, Texas.