Leo Francis Trefry

Mr. Leo Francis Trefry, age 94, of Marquez Texas, passed away on Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at his home on Buck Creek Ranch.

Leo was born July 7th, 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Louis and Esther Trefry. Leo was one of six brothers and sisters.

At the age of seventeen, Leo joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS Wasp for active duty as a water tender in the engine room. On September 15th, 1942, the USS Wasp was targeted by the Japanese. One hundred ninety-three men were killed and over three hundred sixty-six men were wounded in the attack. Leo survived as he treaded water for approximately five hours before he was rescued. As World War II continued, Leo was then handpicked for assignment to the USS Essex that was involved in an astounding number of battles and engagements. When Leo was honorably discharged from the military in November of 1945, he had been awarded fourteen stars for Atlantic-Pacific engagements and two stars for Philippines Liberation along with a good conduct medal.

Back in Indianapolis, Leo began working in the elevator industry. His work with Westinghouse Elevator brought him to work on the escalators at the flagship downtown Foleys in Houston, Texas in 1947. Leo was an entrepreneur at heart and quickly created his legacy by starting numerous businesses; like his own elevator company, a landscaping nursery, custom hay bailing, and a boat/RV storage facility to name just a few. His dream career was to own land and become a rancher. In 1990, he purchased Buck Creek Ranch in Marquez, Texas and began raising registered cattle and working the land.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Louis Trefry, Jr and William Trefry and son, David Trefry.

He is survived by his loving wife of twelve years, Elaine Franklin Trefry; brother, David Trefry (Zeny) of Arizona; sister, Mary Long of Washington; sister, Patricia Connally (Keith) of Arizona; children: daughter, Catherine White (Rick) and son, Thomas Trefry, both of Friendswood, Texas and step daughter, Kimberly Cook (Rick) of The Woodlands Texas. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jeffrey White, Jason White, Adam White (Lindsey), Cooper Cook and Katie Cook, as well as, six great grandchildren, Jordan White, Dylan White, Caden White, Colin White, Blake White and Paige White. Leo is also remembered by many friends, including special family Scott and Deb Simmons and sons Nick, Andy and Brad Simmons and their families.

Funeral Services will be held 10 A.M., Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at The Cowboy Church of Leon County in Centerville, Texas. Pastor Tuffy Loftin will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Concord Cemetery in Concord, Texas. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 11th from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas.

Pallbearers: Jeff White, Jason White, Adam White, Cooper Cook, Rick Cook, Scott Simmons, T.J. Foley

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made the Leo Trefry Memorial Fund (c/o Debra Foley with Citizen’s State Bank in Centerville) or a charity of choice.

Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas is in charge of final arrangements.