Leonard Nigh DeMasters

The Austin American-Statesman, 4/25/2008.

Leonard Nigh DeMasters, was born in Kerrville, Texas on September 13, 1924, and died in Sequin, Texas on April 22, 2008.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sarah Lorraine DeMasters; daughter, Linda Durnin; son, Martin DeMasters; and grandchildren, Erin Minor, Patrick Durnin and Dustin DeMasters. He was preceded in death by his father Leonard Monroe DeMasters and his mother Gladys Nigh DeMasters.

Leonard graduated from Tivy High in Kerrville, Texas in 1942 and was recruited by the University of Texas baseball coach Billy Disch on scholarship, where he was coined with the name "Big Tex" DeMasters.

Over the next six years, Leonard accomplished his MS in Business finishing at Trinity University, completed Navy's officer training program, and was later commissioned an Ensign after completing Northwestern's mid-shipman's school (discharged as a Lieutenant (j.g)), played pro-baseball for the Boston Red Sox (pitcher), and completed an MBA program in Business Administration from the University of Houston.

He began his 35-year carrier in 1948 with Humble Oil and Refining Co. (now Exxon/Mobil). He later moved to Wimberley in 1983 and started an insurance company that he has participated in for that last 25 years.

He was active in the community, devoting time to managing youth baseball in his younger years and in his later years working with the Mason Lodge and several Wimberley organizations.

Leonard, a loving man, both wise and of humble nature, will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, or charity of your choice, will be appreciated.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wimberley Presbyterian Church, 956 FM 2325, Wimberley, Texas. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomason Funeral Home, 512-847-2226.