October 26, 1930 - July 27, 2020
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Alpheus "Leon" Gilbert was born to Charles Ernest Gilbert and Fairy Inez (Burke) Gilbert on October 26, 1930, 6 1/2 miles south of Wakita Oklahoma. He spent the first eight years on the farm where he attended Gore Consolidated school.
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He then moved to Enid with his mother and four siblings and attended McKinley, Longfellow and Enid High School. In May of 1950, Leon enlisted in the US Army and spent basic training in Ft. Riley, Kansas after which he served in Korea until he was discharged from the Army in 1953.
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He made his home in California and started working for General Telephone where he retired after 32 1/2 years. He married Myra Larhea Moore in 1954 and was blessed with two children, daughter Erin Larhea and son, Shawn Francis.
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In 1992, Leon moved back to Oklahoma to take care of his mother. Then he met Vada Arrington. They were married in October of 1999. Together, they operated V&L Embroidery and had many good times. They attended and enjoyed the Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church back when it was in the beginning stages. Leon especially enjoyed the Trail Rides. He was also the man behind the camera recording the church services for many years!
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He tirelessly took care of his wife when she fell ill, until he was no longer able to do so. As his own health was declining, Leon attended Nash Christian Church with his daughter-in-law. Always having a strong faith and trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vada Arrington; three brothers, Dennis Lee, Deryl and Richard, and sister, Shirley.
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Leon is survived by his daughter, Erin; son, Shawn and two grandchildren.
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He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
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Funeral services will be 10:00am Friday, July 31, 2020 in the Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kelly Cronkhite officiating. Burial will follow in Wakita Cemetery.
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Memorial donations can be given to Nash Christian Church or Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church with Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home acting as custodian of the funds.
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Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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