Leon "Lee" J. Atwater, Jr.

1928 - March 3, 2023

Leon Judson Atwater Jr. died on Friday, March 3, 2023 of natural causes at his home in Stockton, CA. He was 95. He was surrounded by his family who walked the path

with him until his parting. He and Mom will be deeply missed. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, best friend and fellow adventurer, Patsy. Lee attended

Stockton schools and graduated from Stockton High. He joined the Navy and went to the Pacific Theatre. Lee attended the University of the Pacific after the war obtaining

a degree in Economics, and met the love of his life Patsy there in a swimming class. He began work as an Economist for the State of California before joining his Father-

in- Law's business, Delta Oil Company in the 1950's. Lee became President of the company in 1969. The Family business subsequently became California Fuels and

merged with Van De Pol Enterprises, Inc. in 1993. He later retired as Chairman of the Board of Van De Pol Petroleum in 2018. Lee was a past President of the California

Oil Marketers Association in 1979 and past General Chairman of the Pacific Oil Conference Management Institute in 1984 for the three western states. Lee was first and

foremost a family man. He loved having family around and many of the family get togethers were at the Atwater home. Barbeques, holidays, birthdays; any excuse to get

together and grill some meat and open a bottle of wine. He and Mom would dance in the kitchen to a favorite tune and, together they taught the kids to enjoy good food,

good wine, love, and laughter around the dinner table. They were avid backpackers, travelers and adventurers, and especially boaters, he passed on these joys to their children.

He is survived by his four children, Cheyenne, Nancy (Barry), David (Grace), and Jud (Sandy), five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge his daughter Chey who was the rock on which both he and Mom relied. Sara Salazar and Vickie Aldrich who's care and love were a

shining light to both. We thank you. There will be a service honoring Lee and Patsy at Morris Chapel at the University of the Pacific in Stockton on April 11 at 10am to be

followed by a Luncheon at the Stockton Yacht Club. Please RSVP David Atwater at 209-608-5604 if you plan to attend lunch. In lieu of flowers please consider sending

a donation to The Gospel Rescue Mission of Stockton.