Leo Donald Maus

Leo Donald Maus, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of deep faith, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 84. Born on March 21, 1941, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Tony P. Maus and Julia Henderson Maus, Don lived a life marked by service, intellect, and unwavering love for his family, church, and God. Don attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through college, graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1963 with a degree in electrical engineering, cum laude. A member of Navy ROTC during his college years, he entered the Navy in June 1963 and served honorably for six years, retiring as a lieutenant. He was selected to work on the engineering of nuclear submarines under Admiral Rickover in Washington, D.C. It was in D.C. that Don met the love of his life, Jacqueline Richards. They married on May 25, 1968. Don and Jackie welcomed their first child, Beth, on February 26, 1969, in Bethesda, Maryland. After completing his Navy service, Don and Jackie moved to Narragansett , Rhode Island, where Don pursued a doctorate in ocean engineering at the University of Rhode Island. While at URI, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Jennifer, on December 7, 1971. Don received his Ph.D. in May, 1973, and the family relocated to Houston, Texas. Don joined Exxon as an offshore engineer in 1975 and enjoyed a distinguished career in the offshore oil industry with ExxonMobil, contributing to innovative projects and earning recognition for his expertise in subsea engineering, holding multiple patents in offshore technology until his retirement in 2000. Don was always devoted to his faith. He spent many years teaching CCD (faith formation) with Jackie. He was a consistent lector and volunteered early mornings, worshiping at Eucharistic Adoration. Retirement for Don was not a time of leisure but of purposeful action. While many retirees pursue hobbies like golf or travel, Don built a church. He consulted on and managed the construction of the new and modernized main chapel at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, pouring his engineering skills and faith into creating a sacred space for the greater community. An avid historian and collector, Don authored the book "History Writ in Steel," a comprehensive study of German police markings 1900-1936, published in 2009. He also dedicated time to mentoring high school students, sharing his wisdom and encouraging their pursuits in science, engineering, and faith. Devoted to many things during his life, but none more so than his family, his church, and his God—and, of course, Notre Dame sports—Don's legacy is one of quiet strength, humility, and generosity. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jacqueline Richards Maus; his daughters, Beth Maus Huston of Pasadena, California, and Jennifer Maus Shirley of Houston, Texas; and his grandchildren: Will Huston, CJ Huston, Cassie Huston, Becca Huston, Jay Shirley, and Luke Shirley. He was predeceased by his parents and a cherished grandchild, Samantha Huston. Don will be interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, close enough to hear the echoes and cheer her name forever. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (at www.hookthecure.org) are appreciated. Services to be scheduled soon.

Leo Donald Maus

March 21, 1941 - September 21, 2025