Alfred Gene Leal

It is with deep love that we announce the passing of Alfred Gene Leal, 82, of Edmond, Oklahoma on Friday, May 15, 2026. A devoted Christian, husband, loving father, and proud parent, grandparent, and great grandparent. He was also a true patriot, as he lived a life defined by duty, honor, and unwavering love for his family and country.

Born on September 22, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Alfred and Beatrice Leal, young Al grew up with a deep-rooted respect for his country. Answering the call to duty, he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His military service was a cornerstone of his life, instilling in him a lifelong commitment to his fellow veterans and a profound appreciation for freedom.

Following his service, he built a beautiful life with his beloved wife of 63 years, Sandra Leal. Together, they raised three children: Lonnie Leal of Houston, Texas, Leslie Startz of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Laschele Tharp of Edmond, Oklahoma. As a father, Al was a steady guide, a tireless provider, and the ultimate role model. He passed on his values of integrity, resilience, and patriotism to his children, who will carry his legacy forward. Perhaps one of his greatest strengths though, was inspiring others, through his example and through his words, that overcoming obstacles is what “we are made to do.”

Outside of his family and service, Al was known for helping others and for his ongoing “home projects.” His endless list of projects, many unfinished, were always a topic of conversation that he was anxious to discuss. He was a man of his word who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand to family, friends, or people he would meet in the public.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Leal his children, Lonnie Leal, Leslie Startz, Kevin Startz, Laschele Tharp, and Joey Tharp; 14 cherished grandchildren; Danielle Leal, Joshua Leal, Lauren Leal, Lashae Newton, Myles Newton, Mackenzie Tharp, Cameron Goodwin, Chandler Goodwin, Brittany Goodwin, Kyle Startz, Brent Tharp, Dillon Tharp, Heather Startz, Cole Startz; 4 great grandchildren MJ Newton (Myles Jr.) and Mya Newton, Brooklyn Nickell, and Perry Nickell, and a wide circle of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred Leal and Beatrice Leal, Julia Klock (sister), Joe Leal (brother).

A celebration of Alfred’s life, complete with military honors, will be held on June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Midwest City located at 705 E. Rickenbacker Drive.

Flowers are welcome and the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Disabled American Veteran’s (DAV) or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.