Lester Smith, Houston oilman and well-known philanthropist, died March 14. He was 76.
Smith, who was CEO of Smith Energy Company, died peacefully in his sleep, according according to a statement from the Lester and Sue Smith Foundation.
He started the company in 1986 at the age of 44. He was also a partner in oil and gs investment firm SG Interests.
Smith was a two-time cancer survivor. He battled prostate and bladder cancers. He received a double-lung transplant recipient.
The Smith foundation has reportedly donated $100 million to the various institutions that make up the Texas Medical Center.
Last June, the Smiths donated $15 million to Holocaust Museum Houston to help with expansion plans. In honor of their gift, the new building will be named Holocaust Museum Houston, Lester and Sue Smith Campus.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Smith, two children and seven grandchildren.
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