I know there are a lot of folks on here who used to roam Scoates Hall. Figured y'all might want to know that Dr. Lepori passed away this weekend. He was the best professor I had, partly because of his knowledge but mostly because of how much he cared about the students.
A life well lived. - AGEN '04
Obituary information for Wayne Anderson LePori
Wayne Anderson LePori was born at home in Harwood, Texas, on October 27, 1937, to Firmin "Judge" LePori and Lela Minear LePori. Raised on the family farm, Wayne helped with the hatchery and chickens from an early age, developing the strong work ethic and love of agriculture that would guide him throughout his life. He attended school in Gonzales and graduated from Gonzales High School in 1954. Though he was reluctant to leave the farm, Wayne enrolled at Texas A&M College to study Agricultural Engineering, earning his bachelor's degree in 1960.
Because of the loss of sight in one eye, Wayne was ineligible for a military commission after graduation. Determined to serve in another way, he joined International Voluntary Services and traveled to Cambodia, where he spent two years assisting with agriculture, education, and rural development. Wayne treasured his time there and delighted family and friends for years with stories of his adventures overseas.
Upon returning to the United States, Wayne settled in Tucson, Arizona, to continue his education at the University of Arizona. While pursuing his master's degree, he met the love of his life, Eunice Coellner. Wayne earned his master's degree in May 1964, and he and Eunice were married in August 1965. They welcomed their son, Brian, in August 1966 before moving to Bryan, Texas, where Wayne began his career at Texas A&M in the College of Agricultural Engineering.
Knowing that further education would help him advance professionally, Wayne moved his young family to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to attend Oklahoma State University. The year 1973 brought many blessings, including the birth of daughter Lisa in July and Wayne's completion of his PhD in December. Soon afterward, the family returned to Aggieland, where Wayne resumed his work in the Agricultural Engineering Department at Texas A&M, a career that would span the next 30 years.
Wayne and Eunice made their home in College Station for more than 50 years and welcomed their youngest daughter, Kimberly, in 1976. Together they built a warm and welcoming home, opening their doors to students, faculty, and friends alike. They were devoted members of Bethel Lutheran Church and valued the lifelong friendships formed through their church and community.
Throughout his distinguished career, Wayne received numerous honors and professional recognitions. He was a member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. His work took him around the world, including time spent in Israel, Sri Lanka, England, and Mexico. One of the accomplishments he valued most was helping establish the exchange program between Texas A&M and the University of Guanajuato. In 1994, Wayne and Eunice lived in Mexico for a year, and Wayne was awarded an honorary diploma from the University of Guanajuato for his work on the "Influence of Technology on the Current and Future Development of the Rural Sector."
Wayne retired from Texas A&M in 2005 but remained deeply engaged in the communities and causes he loved. He continued living in College Station while caring for the family ranch in Gonzales County, where he took great pride in his Red Brangus herd. A passionate advocate for rural water rights and water conservation, Wayne assisted with the Water Protection Association and shared his knowledge and experience in efforts to protect rural water resources from SAWS. He also served on the board of the Wickson Utility District, supporting the residents of Brazos County.
More than any professional accomplishment, Wayne cherished time spent with family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his intelligence, generosity, steady leadership, and deep love for the land and people around him.
Wayne passed away on May 17, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Firmin "Judge" LePori and Lela Minear LePori; his beloved wife of 60 years, Eunice LePori; and his sister-in-law, Leita LePori.
Wayne is survived by brother Firmin LePori Jr, son Brian and his wife Maura LePori and their children, Edward, Henry and Emma, daughter Lisa LePori, and daughter Kimberly and husband Duwayne Strack along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX at 10:30am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
A life well lived. - AGEN '04
Obituary information for Wayne Anderson LePori
Wayne Anderson LePori was born at home in Harwood, Texas, on October 27, 1937, to Firmin "Judge" LePori and Lela Minear LePori. Raised on the family farm, Wayne helped with the hatchery and chickens from an early age, developing the strong work ethic and love of agriculture that would guide him throughout his life. He attended school in Gonzales and graduated from Gonzales High School in 1954. Though he was reluctant to leave the farm, Wayne enrolled at Texas A&M College to study Agricultural Engineering, earning his bachelor's degree in 1960.
Because of the loss of sight in one eye, Wayne was ineligible for a military commission after graduation. Determined to serve in another way, he joined International Voluntary Services and traveled to Cambodia, where he spent two years assisting with agriculture, education, and rural development. Wayne treasured his time there and delighted family and friends for years with stories of his adventures overseas.
Upon returning to the United States, Wayne settled in Tucson, Arizona, to continue his education at the University of Arizona. While pursuing his master's degree, he met the love of his life, Eunice Coellner. Wayne earned his master's degree in May 1964, and he and Eunice were married in August 1965. They welcomed their son, Brian, in August 1966 before moving to Bryan, Texas, where Wayne began his career at Texas A&M in the College of Agricultural Engineering.
Knowing that further education would help him advance professionally, Wayne moved his young family to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to attend Oklahoma State University. The year 1973 brought many blessings, including the birth of daughter Lisa in July and Wayne's completion of his PhD in December. Soon afterward, the family returned to Aggieland, where Wayne resumed his work in the Agricultural Engineering Department at Texas A&M, a career that would span the next 30 years.
Wayne and Eunice made their home in College Station for more than 50 years and welcomed their youngest daughter, Kimberly, in 1976. Together they built a warm and welcoming home, opening their doors to students, faculty, and friends alike. They were devoted members of Bethel Lutheran Church and valued the lifelong friendships formed through their church and community.
Throughout his distinguished career, Wayne received numerous honors and professional recognitions. He was a member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. His work took him around the world, including time spent in Israel, Sri Lanka, England, and Mexico. One of the accomplishments he valued most was helping establish the exchange program between Texas A&M and the University of Guanajuato. In 1994, Wayne and Eunice lived in Mexico for a year, and Wayne was awarded an honorary diploma from the University of Guanajuato for his work on the "Influence of Technology on the Current and Future Development of the Rural Sector."
Wayne retired from Texas A&M in 2005 but remained deeply engaged in the communities and causes he loved. He continued living in College Station while caring for the family ranch in Gonzales County, where he took great pride in his Red Brangus herd. A passionate advocate for rural water rights and water conservation, Wayne assisted with the Water Protection Association and shared his knowledge and experience in efforts to protect rural water resources from SAWS. He also served on the board of the Wickson Utility District, supporting the residents of Brazos County.
More than any professional accomplishment, Wayne cherished time spent with family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his intelligence, generosity, steady leadership, and deep love for the land and people around him.
Wayne passed away on May 17, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Firmin "Judge" LePori and Lela Minear LePori; his beloved wife of 60 years, Eunice LePori; and his sister-in-law, Leita LePori.
Wayne is survived by brother Firmin LePori Jr, son Brian and his wife Maura LePori and their children, Edward, Henry and Emma, daughter Lisa LePori, and daughter Kimberly and husband Duwayne Strack along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX at 10:30am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
