R. G. LeTourneau

R. G. LeTourneau

Richard LeTourneau
Roy, Ted, and Ben LeTourneau

Robert Gilmour LeTourneau (November 30, 1888–June 1, 1969), born in Richford, Vermont, was a prolific inventor of earthmoving machinery. His machines represented nearly 70 percent of the earthmoving equipment and Engineering vehicles used during World War II, and he was responsible for nearly 300 patents. With the help of his wife, the late Evelyn Peterson (1900-1987), he founded what became a private, Christian university, LeTourneau University, in Longview, Texas, and was known as a devoted Christian and generous philanthropist to Christian causes, including to a camp and conference grounds that carry his name, "LeTourneau Christian Center." He was sometimes called, "God's businessman."