Jesse Leclair, Sr.

Jesse Levi LeClair Sr. former Ponca City resident, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2009 at the Okemah, Oklahoma Care Center. He was 71. Jesse was born November 13, 1937 at Pawnee, Oklahoma, the son of Ed Charles LeClair and Ada Grant LeClair. He received his education at the Chilocco Indian School. He was employed as a licensed welder in various states. Later in his life he was employed with various railroad companies and most recently as a short order cook. Jesse married Mable Blueback in 1963. His enjoyments included playing cards, dominoes and chess, and he was a very avid Dallas Cowboy football fan. He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Gina Berryhill, Okemah, Oklahoma; two sons, Jesse LeClair Jr, Oklahoma City and Joseph LeClair, Ponca City; one stepson, Harry Blueback, Ponca City; 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; two brothers, Arlington LeClair Sr., Ponca City, and Rex LeClair, Tulsa, Oklahoma; one sister, Sandra Howell, Pawnee, Oklahoma; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Vivian LeClair, Ethel LeClair and longtime companion, Joyce Sumter. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Ponca Indian Tribal Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Casket bearers will be Sammy LeClair, Richard LeClair, Charlie LeClair, Francis LeClair, Junior LeClair, and Lawrence LeClair. Honorary casket bearers will be Sean LeClair, Levi Martinez, Arlington LeClair Jr., Victor Berryhill Jr. and James LeClair. Jesses guestbook may be signed at www.gracememorialchapel.net