Leo "The Lion" Mitchell Etienne Jr.

Leo “The Lion” Mitchell Etienne, Jr. was called home May 6, 2021 at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 26, 1930 in Temple, Texas to Hattie Grace Pitzer and Leo Etienne, Sr.

Leo “The Lion” was a family man who loved his sons, daughter and grandchildren more than anything. He was the most loving, genuine and caring father, brother, uncle, grandfather, father-in-law and friend. He truly did have the heart of a lion and took care of anyone in need. He was a fighter and a protector that you could confide in or lean on when you were feeling lost or alone. He was a true gentleman who loved life. Leo was the original, the real deal, the last of the Mohicans. Known as a man of great honor and integrity, his word was everything. He was respected by his peers and friends from all over Austin and the state of Texas for his genuine heart and true nature.

Leo moved to Austin at an early age and he started his career in the new car business at Everette Frazelle Pontiac on South Lamar. This began his reputation among his peers and Austinites as an honest and great car man. Being quite the entrepreneur, he went on to open the first car dealership on Highway 183, Chevy Country in addition to owning and operating Payless Auto Sales on 1st Street and Town Lake Motors. He also owned the Farmers Market Barbecue and Sunrise Music Company on Guadalupe.

Leo enjoyed taking his family to Port Aransas, watching football and basketball with his family and friends, playing dominoes with his sons and friends and he loved going to Las Vegas! In addition, he loved taking his family to eat at Matt’s El Rancho, the Stallion and Convict Hill. As a member of the Texas Quarter Horse Association, he loved going to Manor, Retama and of course, Fredericksburg, Texas to spend time with his horse buddies.

Leo was a religious man and was a member of Riverbend Church, where he volunteered on Sundays as an usher and helped collect donations. In addition, he was active in several civic organizations and was president of the Kiwanis Club.

Leo was a great dancer and he loved having a good time with his friends. He was full of life and “Lit Up” every room with his contagious smile and personality. He gave the type of hugs that instantly made you feel good. He loved going to the Broken Spoke and the Lumber Yard and dancing with the love of his life, Dottie. Leo and Dottie are together again on Heaven’s dance floor dancing the night away.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Grace Etienne; wife, Dorothy Etienne; sisters, Nila Etienne, Jody Mays and Dorothy Chervenka; and extended family, Jim and Clyde Porter, Sam Bates, and Jack and Pat Turner.

Those left to cherish and honor Leo’s memory include his sons, Leo Etienne III and David Etienne, and his wife Melissa; daughter, Paula Ranelle; grandchildren, Bryan, Austin Mitchell and Lauren, Sara, Rachel, McCall, Aaron and Heather; nephew, Rodney Chervenka and wife Marion and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, May 21, 2021 from 5pm to 7pm at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. Graveside Services 2pm Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery.

Dad, you will always be our hero. We will do everything we can to honor your integrity, values and tireless love.