Lenard DeShawn Butler
December 23, 1983 - July 7, 2019

Lenard DeShawn Butler was born in San Diego, CA on December 23, 1983, to Keith Lenard and Sheila Denise Butler. Lenard came out the womb making jokes and San Diego would be forever changed. He was the fourth of seven siblings, whom he would always protect. As a child, Lenard was rambunctious and full of energy. He played and watched any sport he could; including football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and even soccer. He had a special love for wrestling and football though. He and his brother Lamont would often be found wrestling in their room with red Christmas stockings on their feet.
Lenard accepted Christ on March 15, 1998, along with his dad and was baptized at 61st and Division Streets Church of Christ under the leadership of Dr. Taylor A. McKenzie. This was a very special day. Lenard fondest memories were being part of the youth group at the church and attending bible class. He also enjoyed attending the annual California State Youth Conference.
From a toddler through elementary school, he attended Montezuma Child Development Center, where he met his lifelong best friend Darin Mitchell. Some of his greatest memories were made there. He would reminisce about riding bikes, swimming, going on field trips, visiting SDSU, and walking to/from Henry Clay Elementary.
Lenard completed his formal education in San Diego City Schools. He attended O'Farrell Middle School and started high school at Morse with his good buddy Darin. There, they met another friend, Brandon, to complete the trio. They all remained loyal friends into adulthood and would form a music group. The group had Lenard, Darin, Quentin, Brandon, and Lamont. He loved music and took it seriously. While the other guys created songs as a fun pass time, Lenard tried to shop his music in Los Angeles. Lenard later transferred to Horizon Jr/Sr High School. He played football and basketball for the Horizon High School Panthers. Lenard was passionate about football and enjoyed playing. He was a part of the 2000 State Championship Football team his Sophomore year.
Lenard had a big heart filled with compassion. This was very evident in his profession. As a young adult Lenard relocated to North County and became a Caregiver. He loved his clients, especially the special needs children and the elderly. He was committed to helping them, even in his times of illness. He also loved his family and friends dearly. He was infamous for checking in on people, offering words of encouragement, and telling everyone "I love you". He was especially close with his mother, grandmother, and auntie Lisa.
In September 2007 he met the love of his live Jasmine and daughter Amya. It was love at first sight. They were joint at the hip together. Lenard loved Jasmine dearly and treated her like a Queen. He was a proud Dad to Amya. He loved to brag about her. He would often post her artwork and accomplishments on Facebook. As a family, they would take trips and try new things. Lenard would get all dressed up, put on a bottle of cologne, and they would hit the road. They would frequently go to Los Angeles to see the sites, enjoy the arts, and eat good food. They would also come to visit family and friends, go to Cousin's Night, and spend time with his godchildren. He was a funny guy and was notorious for giving people nicknames. You could hear him exclaiming "Geronimo" to Amya or "Kamcorder" to his little cousin Kamryn.
The Lord called Lenard DeShawn Butler home on July 7, 2019, at 1:47 p.m. with a host of family and friends around him. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Clifford Robinson, Thomas Butler, and Brandon Robinson.
He leaves to celebrate his life, parents Keith and Sheila Butler; fiancé Jasmine Andazola and daughter Amya Harris; grandmothers, Bernice Butler and Lucille Robinson; siblings Keith Butler, Jr. (Pamela) of Dallas, NC, Lamont Butler (Janine) of Wheeling, IL, Kevin Butler of Santa Rosa, CA, Thomas Butler of San Diego, CA Kyshawna Calhoun of Houston, TX, Tranikca Butler, of Atlanta, GA; uncles, Melvin Goins, Jay Hankins, Stacey Butler, Keith Hankins; aunts, Pamela Harris, Toni Morgan, Lisa Cosby (Randy) special cousin, Andrea Blankenship; godson Darin Mitchell, Jr; goddaughter Jaymie Mitchell; best friend Darin (Cheeks) Mitchell, special friend, Gus; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, extended family, and friends to mourn his passing yet celebrate his life.
Lenard (Big Narda) will truly be missed!

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