George Leonard

George Leonard, 88 of Rising Star, Texas passed away Monday, February 20 at his home surrounded by family.

George was born September 30, 1934 at the Blackwell Sanatorium in Gorman, Texas to Nonnie and Sally Mae Leonard. He was raised in Sipe Springs, Texas with his six brothers.

George married the love of his life, Shirley Jenkins, on October 31, 1970 in Lawton, Oklahoma. They would spend their later years of their lives in Rising Star, Texas.

George was a hard worker. He was a welder and a pipe fitter by trade. Shirley and he travelled all over the United States working for the pipe fitter union and then went to Alaska to work on the pipeline. George was a mentor and helped many young men learn how to weld in order to start their careers. When George retired from welding, he took up farming and custom harvesting.

George loved hunting with his bird dogs, fishing with friends, and telling the best stories. He enjoyed John Wayne movies and eating Shirley’s famous tacos. He wasn’t afraid of taking risks and lived a life full of adventure. George was adored by his family and friends. He was a good husband and father. He was the very best papaw. He will be deeply missed.

George is survived by his daughter, Dede Leonard-King of Wichita Falls; daughter, Brenda and husband, Frank Ditullio of Sun City; son, Terry and wife, Mona Leonard of Rising Star; son, Michael Butler and wife Judy of Cross Plains; daughter, Gwenda and husband Mackey Elliott of Rising Star; and daughter, Cindy Beggs of Bristol, PA; 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Jenkins Leonard, his six brothers; Damon, Cecil, Nonnie Jr.; Donald, Gayle and Ronnie; and his parents, Nonnie and Sally Mae Leonard.