Leo Gonzales

Leo Joy Gonzales the son of John Sr. and Eliza (Livers) Gonzales was born March 27, 1939, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and departed this life on February 28, 2021 in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 1 day.

Leo loved the Lord and he loved his family. He enjoyed going to church and serving the Lord, and he was a faithful member of the Mulberry Baptist Church. He played the guitar and he loved gospel music. He enjoyed watching OU football, wrestling, gardening, fishing, farm work, working on lawn mowers and weed-eaters, and woodworking. Leo tried to teach as many kids as he could to speak Cherokee and carry on the Cherokee Heritage. Leo touched many lives over the years and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Lila Ann (Bird) Gonzales; his brothers John Gonzales Jr., Andy Gonzales, Dennis Gonzales, and Cale Gonzales; and his sisters Dorothy Hummingbird, Sadie Hummingbird, and Louella Proctor.

He is survived by a loving family which includes his children Billy Gonzales and wife Carla of Stilwell, Dean Gonzales and girlfriend Shirley McLemore of Stilwell, Earl Gonzales and fiance' Melessa Kelley of Jay, Lora Gail Gonzales of Tahlequah and Greata Flute and husband John of Stilwell; his sisters Louise Mounce of Stilwell and Maegene Littledeer of Stilwell; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive him.