Leeander Gonzalis

LeeAnder ‘Whiteman’ Gonzalis, son of Sandra Gonzalis, was raised by his grandparents, the late Jim and Thelma Gonzalis.  He was born on March 6, 1975 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and departed this life on June 4, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the age of 45 years.

He was known as Whiteman to all who knew him.  He had an incredibly special bond with his sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.

Whiteman attended Dahlonegah School from kindergarten through the eighth grade, then attended Cave Springs High School.

He was a member of the Stilwell Indian Mission in the Greasy Community.

Whiteman was a pole barn builder for many years.  He would always have a story to tell when he returned home.  For the past 2 years he was employed by Peoplelink for Schwan’s.  He enjoyed working.

He also enjoyed going fishing with his best buddy, Gary Smith, and he loved spending time with family and his other friends, letting them know what the good Lord has done for him.

He enjoyed reading his Bible and talking to his Lord and Savior.  Whiteman would make sure to remind anyone he talked to; To be ready.  Because in the blink of an eye – God could call you home.

Whiteman was preceded in death by his grandfather “Dad” Jim Gonzalis, grandmother “Mom” Thelma Gonzalis, uncle “Brother” Zack ‘Jabby’ Gonzalis, aunt ‘Sister’ Debra Gonzalis, Uncles: Elmer Hawk, Jack & Leon Frogg, Robert, John Buford, Max & Emmett Gonzalis, aunts: Eva Mae Gonzalis & Margaret Adair, paternal grandparents John and Betsy Gonzalis, maternal grandparents Thomas Hawk, Sr., John & Emma Frogg, nieces: Usdi Sanchez, Amelia & Mya Garcia Sanchez, nephews: Christian Garcia Sanchez & Laik Baldridge Gonzalis, brother-in-law Erasmo Sanchez.

Whiteman is survived by his loving family – wife Deana Locust and Emmaleigh “Bub” Locust of the home, mother: Sandra Gonzalis, biological sister Kat & husband Manuel Sanchez, 2 biological nephews: Tyrin & Yanzee Sanchez, 2 biological nieces: Emma “Sister” Sanchez & Manuela “Young One” Sanchez, all of the home.  3 sisters: Rachel Sanchez Gonzalis, Vickie & husband Robert Sanchez, Veronica & husband Robert Duncan, all of Stilwell, OK; 4 brothers: Punchy & wife Teresa Gonzalis, Sookie & wife Judy Gonzalis, John Gonzalis, all of Stilwell, Richard & wife Elsie Gonzalis of Tahlequah, OK, 5 sons: Jeremiah Harper of Stilwell, Sonny & wife Savannah Harper, Isiah Gonzalis, Ricky Gonzalis and Derrick Harper, all of Mulberry, AR, his daughter: Ashton Thirsty & husband Dwayne of Stilwell, 2 step-daughters: Jenny Locust of Westville, OK, Narcissa Harper of Stilwell, 2 step-sons: Delbert Harper & wife Kelly of Texas, Honest Locust & wife Jennifer of Marble City, OK, 14 grandchildren and 1 on the way.  He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews that are too numerous to count.

Whiteman will be missed, but never forgotten, by his smile and unconditional love that he had for everyone.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at Roberts/Reed-Culver Chapel, Stilwell, OK with Bro. Harold Vanderheiden and Bro. Rodney Chuculate officiating.  Interment will follow at Feathers Cemetery, Stilwell, OK.