Outrageous and beloved LeAnn Christine Mueller, 51, of Austin, and Los Angeles California, passed away Wednesday, June 14, in Austin, following an unexpected medical emergency. She was surrounded by her wife, Allison Clem, who never left her side, and close friends.
LeAnn hails from Taylor, and a barbecue dynasty. She was born Feb. 20, 1972, to the late Bobby and Trish Mueller, the renowned, award-winning owners of Louie Mueller Barbecue. She is the granddaughter of its founder, Louie and Leonor Mueller, and Bernice and Luther Johnson. Her brother, confidant and fellow pitmaster, John Mueller, the dark prince of barbecue, also preceded her in death less than two year ago.
LeAnn studied at Texas Tech University before completing her studies at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, pursuing her love of photography that sprouted as a member of her high school yearbook. Her dedication and natural talent quickly launched her hugely successful photography career. She captured the raw, the unexpected and the spirit of musicians, actors, politicians and salt-of-the-earth characters across the globe. Her photographs wonderfully reflect her vibrant, comedic, irreverent and shadowed lens of the world, a world she wasted no opportunity to explore.
She and Ali visited almost every continent and often lingered in their much-loved Tokyo, Lisbon and Mexican beach towns. When her barbecue blood drew her back to the pits, she amplified the savory, spicy and sweet tastes from their travels into meticulously perfected recipes that are too numerous to mention. While balancing working pits and photos, she blended her love of art and meat. That combination ultimately cultivated into the fantastical La Barbecue in 2012.
Owning the first woman-and-lesbianowned barbecue restaurant in Texas has broken a lot glass. And every inch of the brick-and-mortar restaurant that opened in 2021 displays her evangelistic passion for food and art and the oh-so-LeAnn vibe. That vibe is fierce and deep-rooted.
LeAnn challenged religious doctrines at seven years old, and still made sure that the Our Lady of Barbecue neon sign at La Barbecue was approved by the Vatican. She spent hours debating whether Carter or Reagan would lead us into war (circa 1980), intimidated sports opponents and referees, exasperated teachers with her wit and sass, and was quick to stand up for her friends. She was giving, always giving of her time, talent and treasure. In the short days since her passing, condolences have poured in, including wonderful tributes in Texas Monthly and the Austin American Statesman.
LeAnn loved people — mostly. She hated deceit. She was outspoken and bold. She was also introspective, philosophical and vulnerable — a side few saw. She had a myriad of friends from all walks of life. She thrived on the undiscovered and took solace in keeping traditions and memories alive. She was never afraid to follow her own path and blaze a damn trail if that’s what it took. Granted, a few yards around Texas probably weren’t the place to practice trailblazing.
La Barbecue and photography ignited her creativity. Blessings to her love, her boo, Ali, for her constant support and masterful channeling of LeAnn’s dreams.
Keep f lying high, LeAnn. Continue to shine bright and send that deranged laugh down to us every now and then.
LeAnn is survived by Ali; their fur babies, Mr. Pickles and Bobby Dinkle; and nephew, Johnson.
The celebration of LeAnn will be held Sunday, July 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at her pride and joy, La Barbecue, 2401 E Cesar Chavez St. in Austin. Come have a toast and a laugh as we share our favorite LeAnn stories.
