In the early hours of Sunday morning, Oct. 27, 2024, our favorite cowboy, timber faller, dance partner and the man that we and many others looked up to, the one we called Dad … Clarence Edward (Towser) Leonard Sr., passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Born to Frank Lee and Eleanor Mae Leonard of Mariposa on Aug. 2, 1939, in Merced, he grew up in Mariposa County, later moving to Ahwahnee to raise his family.
He spent many summers as a timber faller in the mountains around Mariposa, Oakhurst and Yosemite and winters working cattle, building fences and as a taxidermist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor and brothers Frank, Orville and Gerald (Sam).
He is survived by sister, Mildred Card; brother, William (Bill) Leonard; son, Clarence Edward Jr.(Butch); daughters, Dana Cornaggia (husband Peter), Caroline Gauthier (husband Rick); seven grandchildren; four great -grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
With the recent passing of Frank and now Clarence, the family will be holding a memorial at noon on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the Mariposa Fairgrounds, Building B.
