Leonard Austin Ballenger

Leonard Austin Ballenger, 92, passed away on May 5, 2018 at his home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Leonard was born to Charlie and Atlas Ballenger, September 2, 1925 in Bearden, Oklahoma. He attended Oriental Grade School in Okfuskee County through the 8th Grade when he began working the family farm. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Japan. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. After his military service, he took classes to become a welder in Nashville, Tennessee and he later took electrical courses at OSU-Technical Branch in Okmulgee.

He married Norma Lee Harris in 1948 and they lived in Okmulgee, Oklahoma their entire married lives and raised three sons, George, Roger, and Roy. They had a wonderful marriage of 70 years.

His son, George, and his wife Louise and son, Roger and his wife Cimone all reside in Okmulgee County.

Leonard leaves behind one sister, Alice Boswell and husband Glenn of Broken Arrow, five grandchildren, Kim Fetgatter, Clay Ballenger, Wade Ballenger, Amy Ballenger, and Eleanor Norena; eight great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren. He was fondly known as PawPaw to his grandchildren. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of friends.

Leonard was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, Albert and Dean, his son, Roy, and his grandson, Austin Ballenger.

Leonard was a retired welder and pipe fitter by trade and was a 50 plus years member of the Plumber and Pipefitters Union Local 430. He could build or fix anything and enjoyed raising Beefmaster Cattle, hunting, camping and fishing with his family.

Pall bearers will be Clay Ballenger, Wade Ballenger, Wyatt Ballenger, Cody Fetgatter, State Representative Scott Fetgatter, and David Nelson.

Viewing & Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 8:00 PM Tuesday May 8, 2018 at Schaudt's Okmulgee Funeral Service.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at Schaudt’s Okmulgee Funeral Service Chapel, with Pastor Jack Vance officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Okmulgee Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Okmulgee Funeral Service and Cremation Care. Family and friends may share memories or condolences to the family, online www.schaudtfuneralservice.com