October 10, 1946 - June 24, 2023
The celebration of life for Orvil “Leon” Avants will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the Kremlin Community United Methodist Church.
Orvil “Leon” Avants, 76, of Enid, passed away peacefully at his home on June 24, 2023. He was born on October 10, 1946 to Walter Edward and Edith Bell (McCray) Avants in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He attended Ralston Public Schools, graduating High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation he married Edna Snodgrass and to this union 2 children were born, Stony and David. Though this relationship wasn't permanent, they were blessed with their two children.
Leon enlisted in the Army National Guard right out of high school into the 179 BCO 45th. He then enlisted in the Navy Reserves as a Seabee Equipment Operator. While he was in the Navy, Leon met Susan Irene Hole. They were married in Kremlin, Oklahoma on April 30, 1977. They enjoyed over 38 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on August 15, 2015. To this union they added sons, Austin and Joshua.
Prior to moving to Enid, he worked different jobs including being a full-time firefighter in Perry Oklahoma, a ranch hand, and a floor hand on a workover rig. Leon then worked for the City of Enid as a heavy equipment operator for almost 24 years until he retired. Leon enjoyed camping and was very involved in the Boy Scouts. He served as a Scoutmaster, Cub Camp Director, and Shooting Sports Director at Williams Summer Camp for many years for the Great Salt Plains Council. He enjoyed being outside and hanging out with his family. You would often find him sitting outside with a cigar or his pipe enjoying conversation with anyone who was around. He never met a stranger.
Leon is survived by his sons Stony M. Avants and wife Toni of Garber, OK; David Avants Johnson and wife Maria of Pueblo, CO; L. Austin Avants and wife Rebecca of Enid, OK; and Joshua J. Avants and wife Jessalynn of Enid, OK; grandchildren (Stony) Jordan M. Avants, Jesse L. Avants; (David) Hannah Johnson, Bryanna, Samantha, and Caitlin Castilleja; (Adonica) Matthew Mims, Malik McConnell; (Austin) Reighlyn, Lakin, Lawton, and Remingtyn Avants; (Joshua) Hunter and Onnaleaya Avants; (David) Great-Granddaughter Nadia Ifisee; Brother Walter “Jay” Avants of Crescent, OK; Sisters - Leona Fall of Buffalo, WY, Jessie Marie VanZandt of Stillwater, OK, and Ernestine Brown of Mannford, OK; and companion Cheryl Corrigan of Ames, OK.
Leon was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his parents, step-daughter Adonica McConnell, step-son Edward Charles (“Chuck”) Graham; brother Thomas “Elmer” Avants; and sisters Gladys Hicks, Della Upshaw, and Thelma Sissom.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
Tours: 301 S. Oakwood | (580) 237-6164
Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
