Leon Butts

Leon G. Butts, 78, of Mansfield, died Tuesday morning, July 24, 2012 after years of declining health. Leon was born Sept. 5, 1933, to the late Roscoe and Martha Lee (Peoples) Butts of Mansfield, living in Mansfield most of his life.

He attended Mansfield City Schools as well as school in Blairsville, Pa. He attained an Associate Degree from Mansfield Business College in Accounting and Business Administration. He had been employed at Pepsi-Cola for many years as well as being a former employee of Mansfield Reformatory, Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company and Mansfield-Richland-Morrow Community Action Program. He officially retired from the Head Start Program, where he worked as a bus driver for the children. He enjoyed buying and selling antiques.

A graduate of Video Institute of Ministry of Christian Retreat in Bradenton, Florida, Leon was a licensed minister through International Ministers Forum of Dayton, Ohio. A faithful member of The Salvation Army-Mansfield Corps, Leon enjoyed studying his Bible and telling all he met about his wonderful Savior.

Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Verda Kay (Lutz) Butts, whom he wed on July 14, 1973; his son, Walter Ernest (Deborah) Butts of Mansfield; his daughter, Beverly Jo (Butts) Cheshire; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty (Don) Merritt and Rita Thompson; two brothers, Robert and Aaron Butts; many nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Finney (Jarrett) Butts. In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by a daughter, Dione M. (Butts) Givens; one granddaughter; two brothers; and two sisters, Jeanette Butts and Geneva Collins.

Sadly missed, but forever loved, a gathering to celebrate Leon’s life will be shared at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012 in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Major Marcus Jugenheimer will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Little Washington Cemetery. Friends and family may visit on Thursday evening from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Friendly House, where Leon spent an enjoyable childhood.