Shane Leverett is one of the original pioneers of the modern, independent, oilfield diesel- engine mechanic in the Permian Basin. Through determination, steadfastness, steadiness and moral convictions of his Christian faith, Shane has managed to achieve success in a field that many have tried and most have failed. Through booms followed by busts, his love for his family and passion of doing his best has taken him to the top.

Shane Leverett was born in Odessa, TX on February 3, 1955, to Cletus and Carol Leverett. The youngest of four siblings, he grew up in a modest, middle class home attending church regularly. As the son of a WWII veteran, he was raised to work hard and always do his best. His father was an independent businessman, as was his grandfather. Shane graduated from Permian High School in 1973 and began working for his father. They overhauled drilling rig engines in their shop and also provided field service for engines in the field.

Early drilling rig engines were mostly Waukesha natural gas engines. In the early 1970’s, Caterpillar introduced the D353 engine to the Permian Basin oilfield quickly becoming a marvel. It was a six cylinder diesel engine that was built oilfield tough. The D353 was a very heavy engine, equipped with the latest in diesel engine technology. Shane and his father lined up the very first two compound engines on a drilling rig floor in West Texas. Treanor equipment was (at the time) the Caterpillar dealership in Odessa. Upon receipt of these two engines, Cletus and Shane were called over to assist in the installation. Shortly thereafter, Caterpillar diesel engines became the premier engine of choice in the Permian Basin oilfield. Over the next decade, the Caterpillar D300 series, 3400 series and 3300 series engines outnumbered all other brands combined.

While mentoring under his father’s watchful eye, Shane met and married Debbie Mayfield of Seminole, TX in 1975. In 1982, he decided to do as his father and grandfather had done before him and go out on his own. Shane picked an old company name that his father had used years earlier: L&S Equipment.

With thousands of new diesel engines being pumped into the oilfield, it wasn’t long before repairs were needed and that is where Shane found his niche. He began collecting water pumps, fan drives, hydro-mechanical governors, air starters and other components of these engines. He spent night after night, day after day, tearing the components down and figuring out how they worked. He would then repair and assemble them and stock them on the shelf. He began exchanging the newly overhauled components with the worn out components on the operating engines in the field.

The first couple of years were tough. Shane experienced his first oilfield bust while desperately trying to feed a family. Then, his first big break came. He got his foot in the door with Grace Drilling. Before too long, he was the only contract mechanic that was allowed to service any of Grace Drilling’s engines. Every time one of the rigs called, Shane was there in no time, day or night. Over the years he built his reputation as the one to call for Caterpillar diesel engine field service. Shane and Debbie have three children. Shane is still in business to this day and going stronger than ever. While still cranking out Cats, Shane has branched off into building construction and real estate development.

Shane Leverett is my father and one of my heroes. He was driven enough to propel himself through the rough life of the oilfield and generous enough to show me the tricks of the trade (as long as I promised to never show anyone but my own kids!). He is not perfect and has flaws just like everyone else (trust me, he would whip my butt if I made him out to be a saint), but he is a good man who is able to love, forgive and ask forgiveness.

Most people call him Shane or Mr. Leverett. I am proud to just call him Dad.

Caleb Leverett