Leto Lee Metz, 73, passed away at 3:05am on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. He was born on March 9, 1951, in Wood River, the son of the late Leto John and Rolla Jean (Cox) Metz. He married the former Rebecca Kathleen Hampsey November 4, 1977, and she preceded him in death on May 8, 2000. Survivors include two daughters and a son in law: Erin Metz of Bethalto; Leta and Mike Harkey of Bethalto; his grandchildren: Becca Harkey and her fiancé, Gage Devers, of Godfrey; Geoffrey Martinez of Wood River; Dylan Martinez and his fiancé, Kaitlin Goodbrake, of Wood River; Kendra and Jesse Harris of Buxton, Oregon; Caty Johnson of Cottage Hills; a great granddaughter: Peyton; his twin sister: Lynn Metz; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Terry and Vickey Metz of Edwardsville; Marc and Theresa Metz of Bethalto; his fiancé: Nancy Ferguson of South Roxana; her son and daughter-in-law, Geoff and Natasha Martinez as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Lee was a member of the Laborer’s Local 338, worked as a pipefitter at Shell Oil, and retired as an operator at Conoco Phillips. He was a volunteer fireman for the Bethalto Fire Department and Phillips 66 Refinery. He was a member of the Salty Dogs Motorcycle Club. He was an avid gardener and pickle maker. He played high school and college football and loved rugby. He was a huge Green Bay Packers fan.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son: Craig Allen Johnson.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Following visitation and in accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorials are suggested to the Salty Dawgs Special Olympics Benefit and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
