Leonel Calixto Sosa-Lizama Obituary (1947

Surrounded by his family and friends, our loving father, Leonel Calixto Sosa-Lizama was called home to heaven on April 7, 2016. Born February 25, 1947 in Motul, Yucatan, Mexico to Calixto Sosa-Gongora and Maria Del Socorro Lizama-Garcia, he was the 7th of 9 children. From the time he was a young boy he was curious, inventive, and mischievous and loved bringing humor and laughter into each day. He married his first wife, Sofia Arredondo in Guadalajara, Mexico. Later, in 1975, in search for a better life for his family, he moved to the United States and made Utah his home. Together Leonel and Sofia had three children: Luis, Jolene and Marilyn. Later divorced, he married Kathleen Lewellen in the Provo Temple where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Together they had two children: Venetia and Maria. He was always a loyal, dedicated hard worker. He instilled in his children these same principles by his example and by taking them along on jobs to learn different trades and skills. He was a leading example of what it means to be Christlike to his children by loving and accepting all those he met, and by his high level of faith in God and in the power of prayer. His home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay or warm food to eat and he never expected anything in return. His love and charity resulted in him having an enormous circle of friends, and like the show “Cheers”; no matter where he went, EVERYBODY knew his name. He had a wonderful sense of humor even during times of affliction. He found joy in telling stories of his childhood, his days at work and the good times he had with those he loved. His laughter and smile resonated light and the purity of his heart. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing beautiful mariachi music, cooking, fishing and spending time with those he loved. He is preceded in death by his parents, Calixto and Maria; brother Luis Azael; half siblings Calixto, Manuel, Alonso, Rafael, Jose, Luis, Josefa, and Ruth and his son Luis Arredondo Sosa. He is survived by his eternal companion, Kathleen; daughters, Jolene {Martin} Lawrence, Venetia {Cesar} Basilio, Marilyn Arredondo, Maria {Eddie} Arredondo; grandchildren, Noah, Marcus, Aliana, Ashley, Christopher, Jameson, Jasmyn, Aislinn, Elexiya, and Michael; great- grandchild, Marili; brothers and sisters, Fernando, Felipe, Reyna and Gloria as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the Pioneer 5th Ward Chapel, 450 North 1220 West, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the church from 9:30-11:15 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.