The last time I visited with Leo was in July 2017. As we sat in his living room, he started singing "One More Day" by Diamond Rio. I was a huge fan of theirs in the 1990's and Leo knew that. He would always sing their latest hit for me when I was around. I absolutely loved it! 

During that final visit in July, I sang along with him as he struggled to remember the words. We sang some Diamond Rio and then moved on to some Randy Travis songs. It completely melted my heart. He had such a beautiful voice.  I will forever be grateful that I have such a wonderful, final memory with him. 

Thank you for your kindness and for always welcoming me as part of the English Family.

Now, go sing with those Angels in Heaven..... for you will be THE perfect addition to their Choir.

Love you Leo.

Leo was my second dad growing up. We were always going to Leo and Betty's house or to Ma and Pa's nearly every weekend. I miss those days and remember the vacations and weekends hanging out together. Leo and Dad were always singing Country-Western songs and cutting up. Having Keith, Kelvin, Kent and Kim as my closest cousins was great!!! I would not change a thing.

My Dad was comprised of equal parts of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Elvis Presley with a little Jim Carrey thrown in for good measure.  He had a strong work ethic and was very smart even though he did not have an advanced education.  He liked to laugh and tell jokes even if you had heard some of them a few times already.  Many of them were "Leo Originals" and although sometimes corny, they still made you laugh.  He was an avid bowler for many years with an impressive left-hand curve ball thrown for the strike. He liked to play softball as well and his bowling ability made him a natural pitcher.  At bat he resembled Babe Ruth, always swinging for the fence.

You could always find him in attendance when his kids were playing school sports.  He also did a little coaching for softball when we were young.  Both Mom and Dad were there for us to lend support or critique our performance trying to help us be our best.  Years later they would do the same for their grand kids.  Dad worked hard but always made time for summer vacations and family road trips. He was also quite the actor usually portraying a wacky character in our home movie re-enactments of box office favorites.

He could also fix most anything, regularly performing car maintenance and home repairs.  I was fortunate enough to be selected as his "helper" fetching tools and holding the light.  He also "let us" mow the 1/2 acre yard every summer and one special summer we were "allowed" to paint the house.  I didn't know it until later that I learned a lot from my old man and I'm grateful for the knowledge he passed on to me.

But almost 79 years was not enough time.  I know he had much more to teach and many jokes left to tell.  Fortunately, I have many great memories that will keep him alive in my heart.  Love you Dad, Miss you. Keep smiling down on us until we see you again.

English Family:  My family and I are so very thankful that we grew up together.  My childhood memories are filled with our families interacting, and your Dad was a big part of that.  Incredible memories that have lasted my lifetime.

I'm so sorry for your loss, and the pain that your family is going through.  I'm hopeful that the joys your shared will soon overcome the pain, I know that wonderful memories you share will comfort you.

Thank you all for sharing food, fun, friendship, and especially family with me.

Brian Howell

Uncle Leo I always told everyone was the only quiet one of the boys. He had that smirky little grin I will always remember. The times we were all together for singing were some of my fondest memories with Frank & Alex leading and Leo making requests and all joining in with jokes and laughter....even Ma & Pa took part. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you...just cherish the good memories... Love you all.

OBITUARY

Norris Leo English

17 December, 1938 – 3 December, 2017

Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home

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