Leo’s beloved family tearfully announces the passing of their irreplaceable husband, father,
grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known by those who loved him most as Papa.
He peacefully fell asleep camping at Lake Lahontan and woke up in Heaven. He will be deeply missed.
Leo was born in Oakland, CA, moved to Gardnerville, NV at the age of 12, and was a 1963
graduate of Douglas High School. The Mankins family has historical roots in Eagle Valley and has a Carson community park, John B. Mankins Park, named in honor of Leo’s third-great-grandfather.
Leo was a tireless worker as a master mechanic and welder, a jack-of-all-trades, and a business owner of Leo’s Shop in Carson for twenty some years. Everyone who knew him honestly believed there was not a single thing he couldn’t fix or make. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and adored sharing the outdoors with all of his family and friends.
Leo’s family meant everything to him. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Annette, also known to many as Grandma Da; daughters Carrie Lynn Kiser (P.D.) and LeAnn Saarem (Dave); grandchildren Cody Kiser, Ashley Allen (Brett), Cheyenne Trizinsky (Travis), Maddison Banfield (Charles), and Taylor Saarem; great-grandchildren Dawson, Aspen, Brooke,
and J.P.; sister Roxanne Mankins Spring; brother-in-law Dave Smith (Jan); niece Margene Stenger (Tim) along with many other special nieces and nephews.
He felt very blessed to have his whole family still living near him in Northern Nevada.
He is predeceased by his mother Wilma Mankins Richardson; father Clifford Mankins and his wife Ginger Larkin Mankins; and sister Nelouise Smith.
Walton’s Funeral Home on Roop Street in Carson will hold a viewing on Thursday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A graveside service at Mottsville Cemetery near Genoa will be Friday, June 17, 2022 at 10 a.m. with a Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends at the Genoa Town Hall to follow.
We welcome anyone who would like to attend either event. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Leo’s name to your favorite church or charity.