Leland Anthony Chvatal, of Spring, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 7, 2026, at the age of 89 and is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Leland was born on October 15, 1936, in Austwell, Texas, as the only son of Louise and Martin Chvatal, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Taft, Texas, working in the family farming business with his parents.  He graduated from Taft High School in 1955 before continuing his education at the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas where he graduated with both a B.A. and M.S. in Mathematics.

His years at Texas A&M were an important part of his life. A proud Class of '59 member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, he earned the distinction of Bugle Rank and enjoyed lifelong friendships with his fellow bandsmen. His love for Texas A&M and the Aggie Band remained with him throughout his life.

Following college, Leland began a 31-year career with Texaco in Port Arthur, Texas, which included pioneering computer process control in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and many locations around the globe, and then ultimately managing these functions for the company from Houston. He retired in 1992 and enjoyed the great pleasure of being retired for longer than he worked during his career.  One of Leland's longstanding pastimes in retirement was playing golf with a group of other oil & gas retirees who referred to themselves as the "Oil Field Trash".

But Leland's greatest legacy was not his education, career or hobbies. It was his family and the life he shared with those he loved. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Paula, whom he affectionately referred to as "Paula Ellen." Together they built a family and a life filled with love, memories, and countless stories.

He is also survived by his four children: Stephen; James; Jan and her husband, David Henson; and Gary and his wife, Sheri. He leaves seven grandchildren—Rachel Henson and her husband, Dan Tu; Sarah Henson; Becky and her husband, Clark Fulcher; and Katie, Maggie, Travis & Avery Chvatal—and one great-grandson, Benjamin Fulcher.

Leland was deeply loved by his family, and the influence of his tremendous legacy will continue through the generations that follow him.

The family is especially grateful to the many who cared for Leland with kindness and compassion, particularly Rosa, Linda, Melinda, Kathy and Dunia. The family is also deeply thankful for his wonderful hospice team, led by Tiffany, for the care, dignity, and comfort they provided.