John T. "Buddy" McLeod Jr.

1934 - 2009

John T. "Buddy" McLeod Jr. 1934 - 2009 Visitation for John T. "Buddy" McLeod Jr. will be held at Basham Funeral Care (3312 Niles Street) on Thursday, July 30, 2009 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday, July 31, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery (3700 River Blvd.). John was born July 1, 1934 in Bakersfield, CA to John Sr. and Nettie Rose Castro McLeod where he attended local schools. After attending Garces Memorial High School, he enlisted in the United States Marines. He served in the Korean War where he was a decorated hero reaching the rank of Master Sergeant; it was there that he received a purple heart and a bronze star. After his military life he relocated back to Bakersfield where he became a welder in the fabrication industry. John retired from Lortz and Sons in 1995. John's passions were being able to go out dancing with the love of his life, Betty, taking drives to the coast, visiting nursery's and buying a new plant to add to his yard. John loved going deep sea fishing and camping, taking vacations in his motor home while listening to his Ranchera music and admiring the scenery. John was a proud member of the Eagles Club. John loved his animals, Button, Nosey, Buster and Misty. John was a smart and courageous man who kept his wit and fought all the way to the end, he never complained even though we knew he was in great pain. John loved his wife, kids, grandkids, extended family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. John leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Betty (Mama); his daughters and sons, Kathy McLeod Kuzmiak and husband Jim and Ernie McLeod, Julie and husband Rick Sanchez, Candelaria (Candi) and husband Carlos Venegas, Tony and wife Sylvia Martinez, Frank and wife Terry Martinez, Jimmy (Cooky) and wife Tami Martinez; grandchildren, Jonathon, Casey, Richard III, Russell, Ragina and Ryan Sanchez, Carla Warnock, Cylenia Gonzales, Carlos Jr. and Cristale Venegas, Chantal, Gabrielle, Lauren and Ivana Martinez, A.J., Franky and Dominique Martinez, Brittany and Justin James (JJ) Martinez; nine great grandchildren and sister, Pauline McLeod. The family would like to thank all of our family and friends for all your prayers; we would also like to thank Alice and Margaret from Optimal Hospice for all your care and support. For additional service information, please contact Basham Funeral Care at 873-8200. Basham Funeral Care