Leonard Martin Ogburn

Leonard Martin Ogburn passed away on May 23rd, 2024. He was born on August 1st, 1937 in Fouke Arkansas to Evie and Glassel Ogburn. He lost his mother during childbirth and his father to tuberculosis at the age of 13. Leonard was born with an eye disease called coloboma, and at the age of 6, he attended Arkansas School for the Blind. He graduated from high school as Valedictorian with honors. He excelled in wrestling and earned an athletic scholarship to Auburn University. He graduated with a B.S.E in physical education from Auburn University, Master’s degree from the University of Virginia and an Educational Specialists degree from the University of Arkansas.

In 1960, Leonard went to the Olympic trials for wrestling.He was the alternate member of the 1960 USA Olympic wrestling team. During the Olympic trials he lost by one point to the wrestler who went on to win the gold at the Olympics. His first job was as a coach/teacher at the Alabama School for the Blind, where he started their athletic program. In 2014 he was recognized by the state of Alabama for starting athletics for visually impaired students. After leaving Alabama, Leonard became a coach/teacher at the Virginia School for the Blind. His Virginia Lions wrestling teams won many state public school titles.

In 1971, he returned to Arkansas to be the Vocational Director and wrestling coach at the Arkansas School for the Blind. . Later he became secondary principal, assistant superintendent, and retired as superintendent of the Arkansas School for the Blind in 1994.

Throughout his lifetime, Leonard was honored with national and state awards.He was a distinguished leader in the field of visual impairments serving as a board member for World Services for the Blind, board president for the Lighthouse for the Blind and board president for the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. One of his greatest honors is being commemorated on the Wall of Legends at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, KY.

Leonard Ogburn was a Christian, selfless,giving man filled with love. During Leonard's formative years, he was not blessed with wealth or a stable life. Because of this, Leonard had a passion for giving and helping others. He loved Christmas and he spoiled his friends and family. No one in Leonard’s life ever went without a Christmas present.

Leonard is predeceased in death by his parents Evie and Glassel Ogburn, his first wife Joyce Tullos Ogburn, and dear friend John Ed Chiles. Survivors include his wife Susan Ogburn, sister Diane Wiley, brother Van Ogburn, daughter Dr. LeAnn Stoll and her husband Scott Stoll, grandsons Hunter and Cooper Nannen, and stepson John Martensen.

A visitation for Leonard will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12Th St, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. A graveside will occur Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Cabot, Arkansas. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM, 5800 W 12Th St, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.

In Leonard’s honor donations may be made to the AR Wrestling Association PO Box 3505, Little Rock, AR 72203, Arkansas Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired,12 Kensington, Dr. Conway, AR, 72034, American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206.