Leonard "George" Cantrell

A Memorial Service for George was held on April 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva. Kim Dunker presided over the Service. A Graveside Committal of Ashes with Military Honors was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery following the Memorial Service. Military Honors were provided by the Nebraska Military Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the Fairmont Veteran's Memorial Park. Farmer & Son Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com (Leonard) George Cantrell, Jr. was born September 23, 1943 to Leonard and Caroline (Walbrecht) Cantrell in Lincoln, Nebraska. He passed away on Nov 15, 2022 due to complications of an earlier surgery, at Cogir Assisted Living in Turlock, California. He passed away knowing that Mary Jane was waiting for him. George grew up in Fairmont and went to school at Fairmont Public Schools for all 13 years, graduating in 1961. His baby brother, Steve started Kindergarten when George began his Senior year. George was in the Army reserves for 15 years, starting after finishing high school in 1961. George married Mary Jane Tatro on April 11, 1965 in Geneva, Nebraska and moved to California after their marriage. George and Mary Jane started their married life in the bay area but soon moved to Turlock, California. They liked Turlock as it reminded them of small-town Nebraska. George worked painting trucks at International Harvester after moving to California. He then worked at Martin Senour Paint as a factory rep, sales and teacher. He retired from Martin Senior Paint in 1978. After retirement he enjoyed working on his own, painting custom cars at his home shop. He purchased the NAPA store in Denair, California in 1979, which he owned and operated for 15 years. He continued to work at his home shop on custom cars after the sale of the NAPA store. In 1996, he built his new shop at his home and in 2020 he created a small museum for his 4 prized convertibles. George and Mary Jane traveled to 49 states in the US in their motor home, but visited all 50 states total. They made many good friends along the way. One of their favorite trips was a European cruise aboard a Viking Long Boat. Some of their other favorites included the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, The Rose Parade, and Niagara Falls. His favorite city was New Orleans. He enjoyed several float (fishing) trips to Alaska. His favorite singer was Elvis Presley and he and Mary Jane watched him perform in 1972. They visited Graceland 3 times. He enjoyed NASCAR and attended races in Daytona, Charlotte, Bristol, Kansas City, Phoenix and Richmond. He was especially a Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. fan. He enjoyed many trips on his 100th Anniversary Harley Davidson, including 3 trips to Sturgis, South Dakota. He was loyal to his Nebraska Cornhusker football team, as well as his other favorite teams the Oakland Raiders and the Green Bay Packers. George was passionate about his hobby of collecting classic cars, mostly red convertibles which were his prize possessions. George joined the Modesto Area Street Rods car club in 1978 when he built a Ford Bucket T. He enjoyed their many activities, and both he and Mary Jane loved showing off their many antique cars. He was a past member of the Lions club. George was also a member the Good Timers RV club thru the Elks Lodge. He also enjoyed his many fun times with the Lunch Bunch. George and Mary Jane treated both of their families to a 50th Wedding Anniversary trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in 2015. Lots of great memories were made during this trip! He and Mary Jane enjoyed 53 years together until her passing in 2018. George leaves behind sisters Carol Jean Goosman and Eileen (Ron) Perkins of Lincoln, Nebraska; brothers Jim (Wanda) Cantrell of Kearney, Nebraska and Steve (Marcia) Cantrell of Norfolk, Nebraska; Sister-in-law Alice (Gordon) Tatro-Suckstorf of Geneva, Nebraska; aunts and uncle Shirley (Bruha) Bohling, Delila Snodgrass, and Doris and Wendell Smith; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Vern & Josie Silva. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane; his parents Leonard and Caroline Cantrell; brothers-in-law Chuck Goosman, Ronald Tatro, and Robert Tatro; and nephews JD Fogleman and George Perkins.

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Leonard "George" Cantrell

September 23, 1943 - November 15, 2022