Joseph Leon Burroughs, 85, of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away at his home Friday, March 29, 2024.  He was born in Oklahoma City, OK on January 20, 1939, to Elmer and Beatrice Bloom Burroughs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers David Elmer and his wife Ethelou Burroughs and Jerry Lee Burroughs, and sister LaRue Burroughs.

Those left to cherish his memory include his faithful wife of 66 years, Mary Lou Burroughs, daughter Becky (Roger) Williams of El Dorado, AR, sons Jay (Tina) Burroughs, and Steve (Tonya) Burroughs of Junction City, AR, sister-in-law Bobbie Burroughs of Burbank, CA, and sister-in-law Dorothy (Robert) Howse of El Dorado, AR.  He was "Papaw" to Justin, Tyler (Andrea), Calley (Chris), Taylor (Colby), Abbey (Cameron), Tori (Izzy), Tifani (Conner), Emily, Nathanial, Brittney, Landon, and Mary.  He was "Great Grandpa" to Bradey, Amelia, Sheppard, Claiborne, Cadence, Reece, Carsyn, Collins, Amir, and Parker Jane. He was also "Uncle Leon" to many nieces and nephews.

Leon served in the U.S. National Guard and was a dedicated employee for Long's Roofing & Sheet Metal Works for nearly 57 years.  His co-workers became like family to him through the years.  He had a nickname for almost everyone he worked with such as Catfish, Fox, Boy, and Pickle to name a few.

Leon loved Mary Lou.  He married her on Wednesday, March 5, 1958.

If you saw Mary Lou, you knew Leon wasn't far behind her.  He was very proud of their children and the lives they built with their families.  Leon proudly supported his grandkids in all their sporting events, dance recitals, and other activities.

When he wasn't working you would find Leon fishing, hunting, or cleaning the guns in his collection.  He was an avid supporter of the Junction City Dragons and the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Perry's Funeral Chapel.  A service celebrating his life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Perry's Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tom Williams officiating and his grandson, Tyler Williams, assisting.  Interment will follow at Smyrna Cemetery in El Dorado, AR.  Pallbearers include Robbie Fox, David Long, Cage Meade, Justin Williams, Bradey Williams, Phillip Strahan, EJ Jarrell, and Chris Eckoff.

The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and staff at South Arkansas Home Health and Life Touch Hospice for their loving care of Leon.  Memorials may be made to Lifetouch Hospice.