Leon B. Toubin

Leon B. Toubin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully the morning of August 15, 2025, at the age of 97. Leon, the son of Rosa (Levin) and Sam Toubin, was born in Houston, but grew up and lived his entire life in Brenham, Texas. Leon received his BBA from The University of Texas at Austin in 1949. Following his graduation, he served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After earning the rank of Sergeant, he was honorably discharged and returned to Brenham and joined the family business, Toubin Brothers.

As his responsibilities grew, he often traveled to New York to purchase merchandise. During one such trip in 1958, he had a blind date with Miriam “Mimi” Pasternak. The pair liked each other very much, so she came to Texas in July for what was intended to be a two-week visit. The courtship was going so well Mimi extended her stay for another month, and the couple became engaged in August. They married in New York in November 1958 and returned to Brenham where they lived happily for 62 years.

Theirs was a true partnership, and Mimi and Leon were blessed with three children, Jeffrey, Robin, and Andrew, and their spouses, Fran (Miller), Brad Stein, and Rachel (Swartz). While raising their family in Brenham, Leon was a devoted parent, always encouraging his children while working to instill in them strong values through his example. When his grandchildren Steven, Mollie, Sarah, Danielle, Sam, and Peri were born, he considered them the best “dividends,” and they, too, cherished their close, special relationships with him. He was so thrilled to learn of Sarah’s recent engagement to Will.

As his children were growing up, Leon worked long hours managing the New York Stores, which had locations in several Southeast Texas towns. He enjoyed serving as a Director of the First National Bank of Brenham and was an active 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. When he retired from operating the stores, he became very involved in numerous civic activities. He served as a Blinn College Trustee from 1992 – 2015, where he was a Vice Chair of the Board. Leon was a long-time Trustee of both the Trinity Hospital Board and the Trinity Foundation Board. He was an original member of the Camp For All Board and was very proud of its mission and growth. Leon was active in the Brenham Economic Development/Industrial Foundation and the Rotary Club. Always an enthusiastic proponent of Brenham’s wonderful quality of life, Leon was proud to support the creation of Toubin Park in downtown Brenham and to be recognized in 2016 as the Washington County Man of the Year.

Leon was passionate about The University of Texas in both its academic and athletic achievements. He served on the Executive Committee of the Chancellor’s Council, and he and Mimi loved learning about the UT System’s advances in science and medicine. They were devoted fans of Texas athletics. They not only traveled around the country over many decades to attend games, they also gave multiple scholarships and supported the Longhorn Foundation.

Leon was deeply committed to his faith and ensured his children received a strong Jewish background through their practice at home and through more formal education in Houston. Leon found great meaning in his regular service attendance at Congregation Beth Yeshurun.

As the long-time caretaker of the B’nai Abraham Synagogue, a Texas Historical Landmark, Leon was concerned who would maintain it when he was no longer able to do so. Leon had the foresight to relocate and renovate the structure, and he and Mimi were instrumental in the effort to physically move the B’nai Abraham Synagogue to Austin, where it is now used daily by Congregation Tiferet Israel.

We will miss Leon’s southern charm, outgoing personality, and quick wit. He was honorable and treated all people with respect, fairness, and dignity. Leon is survived by his children, grandchildren, his brother Jim Toubin, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mimi, sister-in-law Doris Toubin and brother-in-law Michael Pasternak. The family wishes to thank Nikki Amanuel, Alicia Rodriguez, and Verona Crayton for their patience, kindness, and loving care.

Graveside services were held at B'nai Abraham Cemetery in Brenham. A memorial service was held at the Barnhill Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Leon’s memory to the B’nai Abraham Cemetery in Brenham (c/o of P.O. Box 742, Brenham, Texas 77834), Camp For All Foundation (c/o 3701 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77098), or a charity of your choice.