Earl Leewright

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Earl Levon Leewright was born June 30, 1933, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. He died February 7, 2026 at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was the 3rd child born to Ira Earl Leewright and Lula Edna Carter. Earl married Fernella Iris Hall on June 24, 1953 and they were happily married for almost 67 years. He is survived by his four daughters; Lynette Pardue, Sherry Ekstrom, Teresa Shepherd and Renita Landers. Earl gave his heart to the Lord when he was a young boy. 

Earl is preceded in death by his 2 siblings and many other relatives. Earl is the proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 18 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his four daughters and their husbands; Keith Pardue, Phil Ekstrom, Steve Shepherd and Jim Landers; 13 grandchildren; Stephanie Classen, Sarah Mason, Stevie Shepherd, Carolyn Skogman, Jon Ekstrom, Danny Shepherd, Keith Earl Pardue, Jessie Fern Shepherd, Josh Landers, Emily Ladd, Audrey Landers, Mandy Landers, Allison Pardue. He is survived by 18 great grandchildren; Blake, Damien, Everett, Samuel, Joshua, Isaac, Libby, Iris, Nolan, Eli, Logan, June, Jasper, Cale, Micah, Hunter, Hayes and Isla. 

Earl graduated first in his class from Holdenville High School in 1951 and went to the University of Central Oklahoma on a basketball scholarship. He served the US Military during the Korean War, and worked for the US Government Department of Defense as a Quality Control Inspector for his first career. After retiring from civil service, he then worked procuring contracts for a private company, then as a representative of the Nazarene Federal Credit Union. 

After retiring, Earl poured himself into serving God through the Nazarene church by teaching Sunday School for many years and coordinating 17 Work and Witness trips to foreign countries. He funded scholarships for several students to attend Cebu Philippine Nazarene College. The people of the Philippines held a special place in Earl’s heart. 

Earl was a member of Carthage Church of the Nazarene, loved to sing in the choir, loved fishing, laughing with his buddies, gardening, riding horses and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His warm smile and joyful personality were an encouragement to all he met. He met weekly with a group of dear friends at Hardee’s for breakfast and fellowship. They named themselves “The Wrinkled Roosters”, and rode on a float for one of Carthage’s celebrations. 

Earl will be remembered for his humble love for God, his family, His Church, and many friends as well as his love for Oklahoma. 

The family wants to thank the loyal caregivers, Chelsea Schumacher and Tiffany Robinson for their loving care and the dedicated, loving staff at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice who supported Earl through the last month of his life. 

The Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:30 pm on February 15 at the Carthage Church of the Nazarene at 2000 Grand Avenue, Carthage, MO 64836. Rev. Dustin Ledford will conduct the service.
In leu of flowers or gifts, the family has asked that contributions be made at https://www.hynesmemorial.org/ways-to-donate/#donate. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.