Obituary for Leonard ‘Butch’ Steelman

Obituary for Leonard ‘Butch’ Steelman

Leonard Carl “Butch” Steelman, 76, of the Haw Creek community in Heavener was born May 16, 1948 in Haw Creek to Clyde P., Sr. and Eva Marie (Davis) Steelman and departed this life surrounded by family on April 10, 2025 at his home.

A funeral service celebrating Butch’s life is 2 p.m. April 19, 2025 at the Big Creek Baptist Church in Haw Creek with Reverend Philip Jones officiating.  Burial will follow in Reichert Cemetery under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Butch was a long-time resident of the area, an equipment operator for the LeFlore County Highway Department District #3 from October, 1972 until he retired in May, 1999, and was a member of the Big Creek Baptist Church.  Poppy was one of a kind. He enjoyed life with a passion. Whether he was hunting deer, coon, rabbit, birds, or whatever season it was, fishing, or even riding mules or roping….. every moment he enjoyed it. Butch loved the outdoors and it was very evident by his adventures. He loved his family and loved BIG. He was also loved, by many people. Butch could tell a story like no other. Those stories were very funny and would have you crying from laughing so hard. Most of those stories were true events that he experienced. I don’t think he ever met a stranger because Butch was a friend to everyone! He will be deeply missed by all whom knew and loved him.

Survivors are his wife, Emma Steelman, of the home; one daughter, Rhonda Tamplin, of Heavener; one son Ron Steelman and wife Sheila of Heavener; one step-daughter Pamela Bennett and husband Chris of Claremore; one step-son Joe Box and wife Teri of Heavener; two sisters Naomi Cundieff of Lake Jackson, Texas, and Regina Rowland and husband Dean of Ozark, Arkansas; seven grandchildren Allan Tamplin and fiancé Hailee Parks of Melissa, Texas; Jessica Montgomery of Heavener; Shannon Ludington and spouse Kristian of Yukon; Ronald Steelman, Jr. of North Lake, Texas; Sooner Joe Box of Heavener; Tyler Box and wife Jensen of Poteau; and Shyla Rowzee of Corpus Christi, Texas; four great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, other loved ones, and friends.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde, Sr. and Eva Marie Steelman; two brothers Clyde Steelman, Jr. and Keith Steelman; and his grandparents, Calvin and Jenny Davis and Joel Leonard and Anna Beatrice (Rhind) Steelman.

Pallbearers are Joe Allen, Duane Caughern, Joey Chitwood, Mike Deere, Brandon Faulkenberry, Case Haynes, Ceb Scott, and Cecil Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Garrett Allen, Mike Andrews, Randy Burgess, John Dennington, Johnny Johnston, Mike Yarberry, Gerald McKay, Norman Wilhite and Wes Falls.

Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the funeral home.

The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

To sign Butch’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.