Updated: 06 Sep 2009

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Modesto Bee
Great Central San Joaquin Valley of California.
May 13, 1999

CANTRELL, LEROY M.
19 July 1923 - 10 May 1999

Leroy Marion Cantrell, a teacher and coach at Hilmar High School for 30 
years, died Monday at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. He was 75.
He retired from teaching in 1984. Then, in 1989, he moved to Tucson and 
served as a missionary for the Southern Baptist Church. He was an active 
member of the church for more than 40 years.

He lived in Hilmar more than 30 years, and started his teacher career there 
in 1954.

"When I say Lee was a coach, he was THE coach. He coached football, 
basketball, baseball, golf, everything," said Doug Boehme, a retired teacher 
and principal of Hilmar Middle School.

"Beyond that, he was my next-door neighbor and a friend. He was a quietly 
impressive gentleman. When Lee spoke everyone listened, and he was very good 
with kids."

Leroy Marion Cantrell as born July 19, 1923, in Bristow, Oklahoma. He was an 
Army veteran of World War II.

Mr. Cantrell is survived by his wife, Alice L. Cantrell of Tucson, children, 
Jim Cantrell of Hilmar, Fran Blanton of Riverside and Bill Cantrell of Forks, 
Washington, and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 am Saturday, May 15th, at Sparks 
Gymnasium on Lander Avenue in Hilmar. The family will hold a private 
committal at North Hilmar Cemetery, Friday, May 14th.