Earl Joseph Leonard

Earl Joseph Leonard, known by many as E.J., passed from this life on July 3, 2004, at the age of 83. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Doris Marie; two sons, Jerry and Glen; and daughter, Dorthy; four grandchildren, Curtis, Kirby, Amy, and Sarah; and one great-grandchild, Tyler Joseph. Earl was born July 15, 1920, in the town of Antlers, Oklahoma, to Earl Joseph, Sr. and Lizzie Belle Harkins Leonard. Earl was the oldest of six children: Jack, Lena, Mildred, Marie, and Ann. The family moved to Prague while Earl was young. He attended and graduated from Prague Schools. During his high school years, he loved to play football, boxing, and he fell in love with Doris Marie Myhneir. Earl enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 13, 1942. He saw service in Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the Philippines. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged on October 16, 1945. He hurried home to marry Doris Marie twelve days later on October 28, 1945. As a young couple, Earl and Doris set out to raise a family and build a farm. Earl often had to work in the oilfields to supplement the income and buy up a little more property. Later, Earl supplemented the farm income by opening up the Prague Recreation Center. When the City of Prague decided to build the Prague Lake on Earl and Doris'' 240-acre farm, Earl decided to retire. Earl was never one to remain inactive though, so he took up driving the Prague School Bus. He loved his bus kids, treating them with candy while providing firm control over the bus ride. He loved them and they loved him. In 1980, he and Doris Marie moved to Lake Eufaula for true retirement, but once again, inactivity didn''t suit Earl. He became very active in the Fishing Association of Oklahoma. He worked tirelessly with the FAO and was awarded the1984 Outstanding Workman of the Year plaque, and later became president of the organization. But even this, combined with some tournament fishing and guiding, wasn''t enough for Earl. He began buying up property around the lake. He eventually owned eleven rental properties, which really did keep him busy. Earl passed from this life on July 3. On July 2, however, Earl spent his day paying bills and collecting rent. His family will miss him very much.