Leon Butts

Gerald “Leon” Butts peacefully left this world at home on October 15, 2019 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at the age of 92.

Leon was born on March 30, 1927 in Lowrey, Oklahoma to parents, Dessie and Mabel Butts. He graduated from Oaks High School. In March of 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Topeka (CL-67). Honorably discharged in July 1946 at the rank of Seaman Second Class he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. He married Josie Bowles on December 23, 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Leon worked road construction across the country for 30 years. In 1973 he purchased the family home in Lowrey, Oklahoma where he raised turkeys and Limousin cattle for many years with Josie and the family. He was an active leader and dedicated member of Moody’s Church of Christ for many years.

He is survived by siblings Winford and Norma Butts and Shirley (Butts) Kay; son Rodney and Ann Butts, daughter Cheryl and Delbert Stanley; Grandchildren Jennifer (Stanley) Dillard, Bill and Stephanie Butts, Jamie (Stanley) and Tim McCann, Corey and Sarah Stanley, Sam Butts, Sarah (Butts) Whorwell, Allison (Stanley) Dearman, and Tristan Butts; 16 great grandchildren along with numerous grand nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dessie and Mabel Butts; wife Josie Butts; brothers Lyle and Alice Butts, Donny and Anita Butts, brother-in-law Bill Kay; and grandchild Josie (Stanley) Reiter.