This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WandaPurcell13 Surnames: Dowling, Pickens, Mattingly, Dowty, Craig, Harless, Proctor, Johnston Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oklahoma.counties.rogermills/8692/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Servicfes for Leo Edwin Dowling were held Saturday at First Baptist Church, Durant with Rev. John Heath and Dr. J.M. Gaskin officiating. Interment followed at Highland Cemetery. He went to be with his Lord and Saviour January 8, 2008. Leo was born july 23, 1925, to Jed and Gertie Dowling in Leedey. Leo attended Trail School, Leedey High School and graduated in 1943 from Liberty Center High School in Roger Mills County. He farmed and ranched on the family farm until leaving to serve his country in August 1944 at the age of 19 where he served in the 9th Tank Battalion. Leo fought through the Europeean Campaighn under General George Patton. He was awarded the distinguished Purlpe Heart Medal among other numerous military honors. He returned home January 31, 1946, with an Honorable Discharge. Leo was united in marriage to Juanita Pearl Pickens in the First Baptist Chuch, Leedey, on October 2, 1949. He attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, received a BS degree in Agronomy in 1950. Upon graduation, he taught veteran on-the-farm training for four years. He then pursued a career in soil conservation service in Bartlesville, Freedom, Ardmore, Lindsay, Purcell and Durant. After serving 32 years as a soil ccnservation of Bryan County. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Durant. Leo was an active member of several organizations during his lifetime. Some of those included Rotary Club, Woodman of the World, National Asssociation of Retired Federal Employees, Elks Lodge, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Purple Heart, Trench Rats, Cooties and the Forty and Eight. He held many local, district, state and national offices in most of these organizations. He was avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and working with his cattle. He was passionate in his devotion to his country and in promoting American patriotism. Leo was a a leader in the community, placing American flags at many bussiness and other organizations. He spoke and presented flags and flag poles to schools and churches and other organizations in the area. He led many Memorial Day Services at the looal cemetery. Leo spent many years coaching Little League baseball. He realized! one of his dreams of seeing all of his six children attend and graduate from a university. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Juanita, of the home; daughter Sherell A. Mattingly and husband Alan, Sherman, Texas; sons John W. Dowling and wife Jane, of Durant, Jerry L. Dowling of Durant, Roy D. Dowling, of Durant, and Charles L. Dowling of Denison, Texas, Jim D. Dowling and wife Randa, of Calera; grandchildren Mark Mattingly, Minnecola, Florida, Kafen Dowty, Houston, Texas, Susan Mueller-Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Cole Craig and Luke Craig of Durant, Tiffany Proctor, Brooke Harleess, Tammy Dowling, all of Durant, Spencer Dowling, Kaitly Dowling, Denison, Texs, Brooks Dowling, Durant, Britani Dowling, Oklahoma City, Torri Johnston of Durant and Durant, and Alyssa Johnston, of Calera; and 10 great-grandchildren. Leo was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather to all of his family and will be dearly missed by all. Interment was held at Highland Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers were Jay Paul Gumm, James Dunegan, Dickie Welch, John Martin, Mike Patterson, David Kelleerman, Larry Prescott and Nick Noel. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Dick Cissell, Judgre Jo Taylor, Allen Wheeler, Rick Hammel, John Massey and Billy Mickle. Brown's Funeral Service handled the arrangements. Cheyenne Star, Cheyenne, OK 17-Jan-2008 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.