John "Phil" Lesser

John Philip Lesser, 85 of Chappell Hill, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 in Bryan, Texas.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 10th from 5-7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 11th at 10 a.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Pastor Mike Smith will officiate. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Brady Gregor, Jim Beard, Harry Kay Lesser, Jr.. Blair Ullrich, Bart Ullrich, Kevin Ullrich, Scott Ullrich, and Ken Ullrich. Honorary pallbearers will be: E.J. Hartmann, Willie Vollert, Jr., Darrell Vollert, Calvin Beckendorf, F.C. “Sonny” Schulte, James Becker and his Country Bible Church Family.

Phil was born July 19, 1931 in Brenham to Harry and Margaret “Peggy” (Kay) Lesser. He attended Chappell Hill School and was a1948 graduate of Brenham High School. In 1952, he graduated from Sam Houston State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Phil served his country in the Army during the Korean War stationed in Tokyo, Japan. Upon returning from military service, he worked various jobs including: dispatcher with Texas Highway Patrol in Waco, National Life Insurance in Rosenberg, owner and operator of a service station on Westheimer Road in Houston.

On March 12, 1960, he married Paula Adair in Second Presbyterian Church of Houston. In 1966, he and his family returned to his hometown of Chappell Hill. There, he joined his father in the operation of P. Lesser and Son General Store, founded by his grandfather in 1890. It was in operation for over 100 years. After the death of his father in 1989, Phil was appointed to fill his father’s remaining term as Washington County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2. He was elected and served through 1994. Phil was a member of Country Bible Church, Chappell Hill Lion’s Club and various community organizations. He enjoyed visiting with people and traveling with family to area country music concerts, especially the Columbus Opry.

He was preceded in death by: parents; siblings and spouses, Harry Kay Sr. and Mavis Lesser, Marnie and Vernon Whitmarsh; cousin, Abie Lesser, Jr.

Surviving loving family includes: his wife, Paula Lesser; son, Craig Lesser; daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Brady Gregor, Mary Kay and Jim Beard; grandchildren, Jenna Gregor, Karra Gregor, Russell Beard, Bill Beard, James Beard; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty Jo and Cecil Farrington, Connie Ullrich, Kay and Albert Ullrich; nieces and nephews, Harry Kay, Jr. and Joann Lesser, Francene and Twain Tharp; cousins, Shirley Manditch, Dorothy Lesser, Reba Kay Cooper and many other family members and friends.

Memorials are requested to: Country Bible Church, Hospice Brazos Valley or a charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.