Leo Charles Comeaux of Lake Charles, La., passed away Oct. 22, 2022, at the age of 88. Leo was born on Nov. 1, 1933, in Schriever, La., to the late Everett J. Comeaux and Daisy E. Marlborough. He was the youngest of five children.
Upon graduation from Jesuit Catholic School of New Orleans, Leo enrolled at Louisiana State University where he studied engineering. Leo was the first in his family to earn a four-year college education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, Leo began his career at Pittsburg Paint and Glass (PPG) in Lake Charles, La. During this 42-year career, he accomplished many technical achievements including several patents in chlorine and caustic chemical process technology. He retired in 1996 as Chief Process Engineer for PPG Regional Engineering.
Leo loved engineering and understanding how things worked. In a letter he wrote to his brother in January of 1944, he described his favorite Christmas present, a chemistry set. So technically astute, he was the first on the block to get a home computer. He taught himself how to code and created several “home-made” computer games in the early ‘80’s. Up until his passing, he always had the latest technology, often taking it apart to understand how it worked.
He loved sports, both in high school and in college, and was a walk-on for the 1952 LSU Freshman football team. He was very influential in encouraging his children and others to pursue his love of sciences. Forever a fan of his LSU Tigers and engineering, a scholarship was endowed in his honor for his 80th birthday. This scholarship supports Louisiana High School graduates wishing to pursue a Chemical Engineering degree at Louisiana State University.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Newman Comeaux; his children, Michael Comeaux (Claudia), Lori Comeaux Annestrand (Tom), Lisa Comeaux Vander Laan (Jeff), and Tricia Comeaux DeLaney (John); his grandchildren, Alexandra Comeaux, Victoria Comeaux, Annelise Hansen (Matt), Eric Annestrand (Shannon), Andrew Annestrand, Cecilia Vander Laan, Abigail Vander Laan, Julia DeLaney and Margaret DeLaney; his great-grandchildren, Madeline Hansen, Austin Hansen, Emma Hansen, James Annestrand and Claire Annestrand. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Daisy Comeaux; and his older siblings, Lt. Everett Comeaux Jr., Audrey Wolf, Mabel See and Norma Hotard, who lovingly called him “Boo.”
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 7801 Bay Branch Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77382, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Forest Park, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A reception will follow at the home of John and Tricia DeLaney.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leo C. Comeaux Chemical Engineering Scholarship. Website: lsufoundation.org/leocomeaux