Donald James Leeman

Don J. Leeman, age 86, was born to Maude and H. Clyde Leeman in Ardmore, Ok. He graduated from Ardmore High School, received Bachelor of Science degree from School of Business at the University of Oklahoma in 1950; Program Management Degree from Harvard University in 1967; Juris Doctor from the School of Law of Oklahoma City University in 1971.Don completed the Naval ROTC at O.U. and was commissioned an Ensign in the USN in June 1950. He attended USN Intelligence School, Washington D.C. completing the USMJ Course in July 1951. He completed three years of active duty during the Korean Conflict.After his military service Don returned to OU and helped develop and introduce the Landman Curriculum. He worked as a Landman for Gulf Oil Co. before joining Beard Oil Company. Later he and John M. Beard formed Beard & Leeman. From that venture Don became an independent. Don was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, served as a Deacon, The President of the Men of Westminster in 1997 and became a Stephen Minister in 2004.Don married Patti Patton Brett on August 8, 1970 and became a step-father to the three very active children whom he always cherished and enjoyed. He enjoyed taking them skiing, waterskiing on Grand Lake , telling stories of Brown Bean and Encyclopedia Sam, and providing them with 4th of July fireworks. His family will always remember his humility, caring and kindness. He loved God and appreciated the many blessings that friends, relatives and those who worked for and with him added to his life. He was predeceased by his parents, his adored sister Jerry and his brother in law, Marvin Dinges of Denver.He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patti, and their children Valerie Brett Craig and her husband Dr. David Craig of Tulsa; John Brett III and his wife Patti Kelly Brett of Oklahoma City; and Judge Rebecca Brett Nightingale and her husband Steve Nightingale of Tulsa; and the cherished grandchildren Anderson, Abby, and Amanda Brett; Drew and Matt Craig; Sam and Rachel Nightingale.He is also survived by his beloved nieces Gretchen Gale, Hana, HI, and Madeline Dodge, Denver, Co., and their families Charlie and Molly Gale; David, Jason, Tamory and Jenifer, Alex and Sakoto, and John and wife Cecile‘; his cousins Joe Ward of Norman, and David and Marcia Ward of Edmond, his brother-in-law Paul D. Bushong and nephew Craig Bushong and many friends, particularly his lifelong soul mates Bob Grissom, Ardmore; John Rohrbach, San Jose, CA; Jack Felber, Tucson, Az, and Pat Cashman, Oklahoma City. The family is grateful to Paula Avery, Jeremy Allen of Caregiver Connection, LLC, Faith Hospice, and to Shannon McClure and staff of Eden Care Homes for the guidance and care during his long journey through Alzheimer’s Disease, and to his trusted business administrator, Sally Buxton. Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 20 at 2:00pm. The family requests prayers and suggests that any who wish to send a memorial for Don direct it to Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation, 4200 North Shartel, Oklahoma City, 73118 or for Alzheimer’s Research through Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or online at omrf.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.