Leroy J. Wieting

WIETING, SR., LEROY J. (1927~2005) Leroy J. Wieting, Sr., state representative, was born February 28, 1927, in Runge, Karnes County, Texas, to Herman and Rose (Kubola) Wieting. After graduating from high school, he attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville and Corpus Christi State University.

Following his marriage to Dorris Atkins on September 9, 1945, Wieting settled in Portland, San Patricio County in 1958, where he soon began making a name for himself. In 1961, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and served the people of the Coastal Bend for 22-years. Throughout his tenure, Wieting was a member and chair of many of the House's standing committees, including Agriculture and Livestock, Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Education. He also served as chairman of the Texas Coastal and Marine Counsel and represented Governor Mark White to other coastal states. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S., visiting state capitols to investigate their parking facilities, which resulted in the first parking garage being built in Austin for state employees. With his wife, Dorris, he traveled to Denmark, England, Germany, and Holland, including such cities as Amsterdam, Bonn, Copenhagen, and London, meeting with each respective country's Chancellor and officials researching water systems on behalf of Texas. At home, he continuously worked on getting drinking water sources, reservoirs, etc. for the coastal bend area.

A firm believer in supporting charities, both financially and personally, Wieting was an executive fundraiser for the Coastal Bend United Way, was especially supportive of the South Texas Children's Home and the 4-H Clubs in his district. He was an honorary member of the Portland Chamber of Commerce and was the recipient of many awards and recognitions for his contributions to the community and state.

A strong Christian, his life always revolved around serving God and witnessing to whomever he met. He started the first prayer meeting in the House of Representatives, where he also served as the assistant chaplin. In Portland, he and his family were members of the First Baptist Church since moving there in 1958, and were instrumental in getting the church to its present location.

After retiring from the Legislature in 1984, Wieting began a new career as a political consultant and lobbyist; believing that he could do more for "the Coastal Bend by working for the environment and making the area a better place for business." He was also a member of the Texas Oil and Gas Association, the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Chemical Council, where he was a member of the Advocacy Committee.

Leroy J. Wieting, Sr. passed away on Monday, March 14, 2005, and was buried in the Texas State Cemetery four days later. He was survived by his wife, Dorris, a son, L.J., Jr., a daughter, Beckie, and two grandchildren.

Information taken from: Eaton, Tim. "Former legislators find new jobs: Ex-lawmakers now represent Coastal Bend as lobbyists." Corpus Christi Caller-Times, 31 January 2005. Obituary. Austin American-Statesman, 16 March 2005. Powell, Jamie. "Wieting dies at age 78: Portland man served as legislator in '70s, '80s." Corpus Christi Caller-Times, 15 March 2005.