E.T. Leonard Jr.

Funeral service for E.T. Leonard Jr., 90, of Poteau will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.

Burial will follow at Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, Okla., under the direction of Evans and Miller Funeral Home.

E.T. was born Nov. 30, 1932, in the Spring Hill area just outside of Poteau to Emily (Williams) Leonard and E.T. Leonard, Sr. and passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Poteau.

He was preceded in death by his wife Clarice Jean (Sinclair) Leonard, his parents, two brothers Denton Leonard and John Leonard and sisters Zendia Smith, Ila Rustad, Mozella Paquette and Francis Pakson.

Survivors include his daughter Barbara McDaniel, son E.T. Leonard III, grandchildren Jack

Morton, Eli McDaniel, Tia Jiron, E.T. Leonard IV (Bub), Bettyjo Rankin, Tonya Norman, Timmy Leonard and Ruben Leonard, numerous greatgrandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren.

Growing up, E.T. was a charter member of the local Boy Scouts and participated in 4-H. Being a bit ornery in his youth, he was awarded his teacher Ms. Peek’s paddle for one year as it had been used on him the most.

He entered the Navy on March 19, 1951, for four years and served during the Korean War.

After leaving the Navy, E.T. returned to Heavener and opened a gas station.

Later he moved his family to San Diego where he worked many years as a highly respected commercial marine painter. As general foreman of the painting department of a ship building company, he painted numerous Naval vessels such as carriers, battleships and submarines.

He retired to Poteau where he built his own house and worked for VoTech for several years.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2023, at Evans and Miller Funeral Home.

You may leave an online message at www. evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.