Leon Louis Katapodis

LEON LOUIS KATAPODIS, 87, passed away on June 17, 2023, in Houston TX. Born in Tulsa, OK, to Louis and Mona Katapodis on February 21, 1936, Leon was a first-generation Greek American and was proud of his heritage. He graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1954 and was a standout athlete, earning multiple all-city and all-state honors. Leon attended The University of Tulsa on a football scholarship and played baseball for the Golden Hurricanes. The first of his family to earn a college degree, Leon pursued a petroleum engineering career and traveled the world in that role. Leon had the great fortune of being married to Barbara for 42 years, until cancer claimed her in 2005. He and "the Bride" crafted a life together that included two children, a welcoming home and successful careers. They worked hard to set a good example and made sure their kids were well cared for and felt loved every day. As a petroleum engineer, Leon's job took him to far-flung places around the world, including Bali, Barcelona, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Nigeria, Rio de Janeiro and Singapore. The highlight of his extensive travel was treating his family to a trip to Greece that included Athens and a cruise through the Greek Islands. While in Athens, the family enjoyed a swanky suite with a stellar view of the Acropolis. Surrounded by marble and ancient opulence, Leon insisted that the hotel made a mistake in assigning the presidential suite; however, everyone knew that he was responsible for the extravagance. Like most Greeks, Leon was not only hard-headed and strong-willed but also fiercely loyal and loving. In high school he changed the spelling of the family name from Katopodis to Katapodis, because the former was mispronounced and misspelled so often during his many athletic accolades. He negotiated many contracts with international clients and attributed much of his success to "having the strongest voice in the room." That "strong voice" made a lasting impression on his children, their friends and the many kids he coached in youth sports. The flip side to that strong voice is his kindness and generosity. He hosted many international clients, and rather than wine and dine them at a restaurant, Leon invited them to the house for a home-cooked meal and hospitality. Leon excelled at many things in life: getting the last drop of 1000 Island salad dressing out of the bottle; training young children on the fine art of dominoes; telling tall tales about antics with his childhood friends Snake, Solo and Cruz; and making his beloved grandkids feel like they are the most important person in the room. Perhaps Leon's greatest accomplishment was being Papou to his four grandkids. Each one carries his strong character and a fondness for Werther's candies. Leon is survived by his children, John Katapodis and Nancy Katapodis Lee; grandchildren Andrew and Megan, Payton and Macy. After a celebration of life in Houston on Wednesday, Leon's funeral will be at Moore Southlawn in Tulsa on Friday, June 23 at 1:00 pm with internment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Leon Louis Katapodis

February 21, 1936 - June 17, 2023