Leon “Butch” Pressett

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EAST CARBON/SUNNYSIDE-Leon James “Papoo” Pressett, age 85 passed away surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home on Nov. 14, 2010.
He was born Oct. 30, 1925 in Sunnyside, Utah the youngest son of Humbert and Zina Rasmussen Pressett.
Leon married his soul mate Bessie Lilly Marakis June 19, 1955 at the Greek Orthodox Church in Price and they were blessed with three daughters.
Leon was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a lifelong resident of Carbon County and in his senior year he enlisted in the US Navy where he proudly served his country during WWII.
After returning from the Navy he attended Carbon College where he was a member of the Carbon College basketball team. He was also so proud to be the sixth man on the “Lindsey Boys” basketball team.
In 1947, he went to work for US Steel where he later retired as the water master. His pride and joy was his family. “Family is the most important thing in life” was his famous saying. He truly lived that statement. He always had a warm smile and kept a protective eye on all of us.
Leon was one of the finest gentlemen that ever graced this earthy existence. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather. His love spilled over to everyone he met, including his neighbors and community, and everyone immediately became a friend for life. He was a big man, with big hands. “Papoo” was always soft spoken, especially with his girls.
He loved the outdoors and loved to spend time at the ranch in Nine Mile. It was there that he gained a respect for the creatures and the beauty of nature. He was more comfortable astride a horse than he was in a vehicle. All those who were blessed to know Leon will feel a void in their lives from time to time. But recalling his smile and his laughter will be a wonderful remembrance and tribute to him.
Leon is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Bessie Pressett; their three daughters, Lynne Pressett, Palisade, Colo.; Tamara (Jeff) Loveless, Spanish Fork, Utah; Kelly (Gary) Clark, East Carbon, Utah; grandchildren, Chas, Tia, Kade, Kaylee, and Jaycee; great-grandchildren, Shaylee, Kashley, and Avyelle; two brother- in-laws, Ted (Shirley) Marakis and Angelo (Jaylene) Marakis.
Preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers; one sister.
Graveside service, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, 12 noon, Valley View Cemetery in Sunnyside. Family will be at Mitchell Funeral Home Wednesday evening from 6-7 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends and family are welcome to share memories of Leon online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.