Leo was born on September 17, 1939, to Ruby and Jess Butler, in Lone Grove, Carter County, Oklahoma, and moved to Gilroy in 1946. Leo graduated from Gilroy High School in 1957 where he played football and baseball. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Margaret Garcia, in 1959. Together, they raised their children, Natalie and Paul. Leo and Margaret share five grandchildren whom they adore: Brent, Sherelle, Amanda, Justin and Lindsay.  Leo and Margaret were married 66 years, and spent over 50 years together in the beautiful house that Leo built for their family.  Leo was a very talented carpenter – if you showed him a picture, he could build it.

Leo enjoyed summer afternoon barbecues (don't forget the dessert!) and sports, including watching his children and grandchildren compete in many different sports as they grew up. He especially loved watching Sunday football with his family. Leo loved gardening and growing giant pumpkins. He took first place at Uesugi Farms' Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off in 1995 (462 pounds) and in 1998 (440 pounds). He and Margaret would plant a vegetable garden together every year, and were always happy to share the fruits of their labor with family and friends.

His other hobbies included camping and fishing - he taught his children and later his grandchildren the joys of fishing. His family will always cherish the memories that they have with Leo fishing on a warm, sunny afternoon at Coyote Lake. We will always remember Leo and a life well lived, a line well cast.