Leonard Engle Jr

Leonard Ivan Engle, Jr. was born on July 2, 1959 to Louise and Leonard Ivan Engle, Sr. He grew up riding bikes, fishing nearby ponds and adventuring with his several siblings, cousins, and friends in his small community of Newkirk, Oklahoma. His teen years included working at the local tire shop and tinkering around with cars and motorcycles as well as spending time with his uncles. Family and friends meant everything to him, even at a young age.

As he transitioned into a man he took on a job at Rodeo Meat Packing Plant in Ark City, Kansas where he met the love of his life, Ruth Engle. She became his sweetheart and they married a year later. He and Ruth settled in Newkirk for their first years of marriage and their family quickly began to grow. He was hired at Conoco Refinery in Ponca City, Oklahoma and within a few years they moved to McCord, a small community outside of Ponca. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and the various sports and activities of which his four children would participate. Leonard enjoyed taking Ruth on long motorcycle rides. He had a heart for the youth and it was evident in how he coached and opened his home to welcome them. He spent several years in Ponca where he made many lifelong friendships.

Once his children were grown and pursuing their own ambitions and making families of their own, he and Ruth along with four of their grandchildren moved their home to Pawnee, OK. In Pawnee, Leonard became known for his stories and sense of humor along with the title of “Poppy” to many of the local families. He eventually retired from Conoco-Phillips and proudly worked as a dispatcher for the local police department. He also took on small hobbies. Some of his favorite activities included spending time on the land with his wife and family caring for the cattle, driving through the pastures, and playing card games.

The last several months he had enjoyed working on and going for rides on his motorcycle. Leonard spent the day of September 5, 2022 having lunch with his wife and mother-in-law, working cattle, and taking a ride to visit family in Northern Oklahoma. On the evening of the 5th his last ride led him home to be with his Lord and Savior. He will be joining his mother, Louise Engle; his father and hero, Leonard Ivan Engle, Sr.; his baby brother, Jerry Allen, beloved sister, Deann Engle, brother-in-law Terry Stolhand, and his grandbaby Olly Engle in heaven.

His lifetime of stories, sense of humor and the light he was will be passed on through all who loved and were loved by him. He loved all of his extended family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Engle, whom he adored; his beloved siblings: (Martin) and Marie Trenary, Jane Stolhand, Kenny and (Ginny) Engle, (Steve) and Diane Bonifield. His cherished children: Ashley Engle and (Travis Wuthrich), Jacob and (Bridgette) Engle, Joshua Engle and (Gabi Eissa), and Zac and (Josh Smart) Engle. His treasured grandchildren: Genesis Flores, Deuce Flores, Abbey Flores, Brooklynn Flores, Duke Engle, Abel Engle, Cole Engle and Cash Engle.

We love you Poppy. We love you Junebug!