Obituary of Leon Pritchard

Homer Leon Pritchard left this world to be with Jesus at the age of 84 years and one day. Leon passed from this life at St. John’s hospital on November 25, 2021, from complications due to pneumonia. Leon was born on November 24, 1937 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to Paris and Bertha Pritchard. He had three brothers: Stoop, Bud, and Paul Pritchard. His brothers were his first friends and they all enjoyed things like camping, running around at Turner Falls, and working at their parents’ “Pop Shop.” In recent times Leon and Paul still got together for many events and have shown tremendous brotherly love throughout their entire lives. Leon’s nephew, Jimmy, has been like a son to him. Jimmy and his family have always been a big part of his heart and life. Leon would also want us to mention his sweet friend Tim. He sure enjoyed taking Tim out for birthday dinners and watching him become baptized and part of a church. Leon was a true Sapulpan, attending Jefferson Elementary as a child and later representing the Chieftains as football captain for Sapulpa High School. A favorite memory was a 41 yard touchdown he made against rival Sand Springs, after recovering a fumble. He enjoyed hanging out after ball games with friends such as Don Dosier, Ronnie Gibson, Ronnie Delong and Eli Walker. Leon Pritchard was a cattle rancher on his 40 acre ranch. He was also a businessman and banker. Leon had a lifelong career working in the banking industry in Sapulpa. He was a loan officer for Security National Bank, Family Federal, and retired as the Vice President of American Heritage Bank of Sapulpa. He also served eight years in the Army National Guard. On November 3, 1990 Leon married Rita at a small ceremony with sons David Shelton and Trey Pritchard as witnesses. No one could have known what a profound union they would become and how these two would so fully inspire several generations of children and grandchildren. Leon and Rita spent much of those early years working on their 40 acres to the point the land resembled a state park. Each pecan tree was meticulously trimmed, and they used a weed eater to cut grass along the pond and creek. They recuperated on the weekends in an RV on the Roaring River, and later bought a mobile home and pontoon boat on Grand Lake. David, Heidi, Trey, and Dana got in on some of the Grand Lake fun! In more recent years they have traveled to the mountains with Rex, Val, Beckie, Robert, Ruthie, and Lense. Leon spoke most highly of a trip they went on to Mackinaw Island with Ruthie and Lense. Less than two months ago, they headed to the mountains with Ruthie, Lense, Larry and Doris. These jetsetters have also spent some time in Charlotte, North Carolina with Gabe and Brittany and toured Hollywood, California with Domenic and Kaylee. One very proud yet disheartening trip for Leon and Rita was a trip they took with Sheila, Kris, Dana and Robert to Washington DC. This was a national memorial service for all fallen officers, which sadly included their son, Trey Pritchard. The loss of Trey in 2015 left a permanent hole in Leon’s heart. The many, many memorials in Trey’s honor were treasured deep within his heart. He had a special love for the Sapulpa Police Department. Leon’s favorite hobby and pastime was playing golf. His two year old grandson, Gannon, always made comments such as, “He’s golfing, AGAIN??” In most recent years, he could easily spend 5 days a week on the golf course with Larry Hixon. He looked forward to playing with his group of Sapulpa buddies, called the Senior League. On several occasions he would have his name in the paper for scoring under his age! Yearly trips to Arkansas with this group to play golf were truly a highlight of the year. He came back with many stories, but one thing he particularly enjoyed was Eddie Bayouth’s cooking! Being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to many children has kept him especially busy these past decades. When Trey was a young adult, Leon appreciated having Thursday night dinners with him and Dana. Although, rumor has it that even though the spaghetti was not all that good, he absolutley loved the company! Years later Leon and Rita spent a great deal of planning and excitement for the wedding of Trey and Cari, which took place on the back part of their beautifully manicured acreage. Leon and Rita have hosted many bonfires, birthday parties, and Halloween events for Brittany, Lindsay, Chelsea, and Cole. Trips to Branson with grandkids were always on the agenda. Cole spent most weekends with his grandparents and later entertained them on the football field throughout high school. Fourth of July with Cari, Trey, and their children will never be forgotten! Especially the fireworks that sometimes seemed to point toward the house! In recent years, great grandson, Landon, has kept them busy with football, baseball, and basketball. This past summer, great granddaughters Ellie and Gracie performed in their first dance recital. What a privilege to have great-grandparents, Leon and Rita, watching from the audience! Leon was also a wonderful chauffeur on the golf cart during the Kiefer Homecoming Parade for Chelsea, Brittany, Gannon, Gracie, and Ellie. Watching Sheila graduate from high school was a recent event which made him proud to witness. Lastly, in October, he witnessed great-granddaughter, Gracie win a pageant at Black Gold Days in Glenpool. Last, but certainly not least, Leon was a man of the Lord. He was a profound and admired Christian who attended Pickett Prairie Baptist Church for over 25 years. He was involved in singing in the church choir and helped with summer Bible School activities for children. The day before this last and regrettable surgery, Leon helped serve over 200 Trick-or- Treaters at a special church function. Leon’s faith and love of Jesus never wavered. He was not afraid of death or the afterlife. He said this many times throughout his later life. He loved nature and the things God created such as trees, flowers, chickens, racoons, and green grass! He enjoyed watching sunsets from the porch of the new home they built this past year. Leon knew where he would be going, when his life here was over. The knowledge of his faith is the comfort that will get us through the difficult times and lessen the profound sadness. We already know he spent his Thanksgiving with Jesus, his parents, his brothers, and his son…..Trey. Phillipians 1:3 “I will thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Leon is survived by wife Rita of Kiefer, children Domenic and Kaylee Romeo of Tulsa, David and Heidi Shelton of Glenpool. As well as brother and sister-in-law Ruth and Lense Ramey and sister-in-law Val Cook. Grandchildren include Sheila Pritchard of Glenpool, Kris Kerbo of Glenpool, Brittany and Gabe Herrera of Kiefer, Lindsay Brown of Tulsa, Chelsea and Taylor Easton of Kiefer, Cole Shelton of Glenpool, Paige Ware, Danny Goodin, Levi Hopkins, and Austin Hopkins of Sapulpa. He is survived by four great grandchildren: Landon Easton of Kiefer, Ellie Easton of Kiefer, Gracie Herrera of Kiefer and Gannon Herrera of Kiefer. Leon is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law Paul and Kay Pritchard of Sapulpa, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his son Trey Pritchard, brother Stoop Pritchard, brother Bud Pritchard, and parents Paris and Bertha Pritchard. The Celebration of Leon’s Life will be at the First Baptist Church@ 10:00a.m. Randy Parker from Pickett Prairie Baptist Church will be officiating. No reception following. For more information call 918-224-2312. Flowers can be sent to the First Baptist Church on 200 South Elm. On behalf of the Pritchard family, they would like to say thank you for all the heartfelt cards, calls, texts, and especially all the prayers. Special thanks to Ruth and Lense Ramey. May God Bless All. Services were held at First Baptist Church in Sapulpa with Pastor Randy Parker officiating on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Green Hill Funeral Home Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Sapulpa with Pastor Randy Parker officiating on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Green Hill Funeral Home