Staff Report
May 19, 1965 – June 26, 2025
Graham Chester Leinneweber—known to all as Chet—passed away surrounded by the people he loved most. Born in Pasadena, Texas, on May 19, 1965, to Danny and Carolyn Leinneweber, Chet was the firstborn son and a lifelong protector. Chet lived a life marked by grit, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family, his work, and his word.
Chet worked hard from the very start. As a young boy, he plowed fields in Martindale and began a lifelong habit of rising with the sun to get the job done. He started his career in construction framing houses, eventually moving into the concrete industry. After working at Ingram Ready Mix, he went out on his own and founded Leinneweber Concrete Construction. Through sheer determination and relentless effort, he built not just a successful business, but a lasting legacy.
One of his proudest accomplishments was building his own yard and shop from the ground up. Chet was a leader in every sense—respected, fiercely loyal, and deeply committed to doing the job right. He valued every person he worked with and took pride in passing down the same work ethic that defined him.
Outside of work, Chet lived life with equal passion. He was a true outdoorsman—most at peace in South or West Texas, the Colorado mountains, or on the coast near Corpus Christi. He loved hunting and fishing, not just for the sport, but for the camaraderie—sharing the experience with his brothers, wife, kids, grandkids, and lifelong friends.
He was a self-taught golfer with a competitive streak and a knack for winning, even after years off the course. He loved horse races, football, and betting on games with his favorite people. And he loved to cook—his barbecue is legendary across Central Texas, and his meals brought family together time and time again, creating traditions that will live on.
Chet’s personality was unmistakable—strong, loyal, generous, dependable, and honest to the core. He was an old soul with a kind heart, never flashy but always steady. Beneath his tough exterior was a soft, gentle spirit that showed itself in quiet moments—listening to good music, holding a grandbaby, or watching a Disney movie for the hundredth time. He made everyone around him feel safe, loved, and supported.
In his final days, Chet remained exactly who he always was—worried not for himself, but for others. Making sure everyone had a room, a meal, or whatever they needed. Still trying to take care of everyone. Still strong. Still loving. Still Chet.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Kelly Leinneweber; his children, Justin (and wife Kylene), Lindsey (and husband Hunter), Kaitlyn, and Daniel (and wife Darbi); and his nine beloved grandchildren: Blakely, Peyton, Brody, Layton, Madilyn, Briley, Dani, Sadie, and Stetson. He is also survived by his brothers, Cole (and wife Paige) and Cade (and wife Tiffany); and by countless friends, coworkers, and extended family who will carry his spirit forward.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Danny and Carolyn Leinneweber.
To know Chet was to know strength, love, and what it means to do right by others. May we all be reminded, in his memory, to live and love hard and never compromise who we are.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Chet’s life on Thursday, July 3rd at 11:00 AM at Leinneweber Concrete Construction, 281 Industrial Fork, San Marcos, TX 78666. A service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception and lunch. In true Chet fashion, barbecue will be served in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the MD Anderson Employee Fund. Every person who walked alongside Chet during his cancer journey did so with comfort, kindness, and compassion. A gift in Chet’s name will help support those same caregivers as they continue their incredible work.
Leinneweber Concrete Construction and Trends & Traditions will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd, in honor of the passing of Chet Leinneweber-beloved husband, father, and founder. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to grieve and celebrate his life. Both businesses will resume regular operations on Monday, July 7th.
