Leslie Eugene Locust, Sr.

Leslie Eugene Locust, Sr., 74, of Ft. Gibson, OK. Les was born September 28, 1946 in Tahlequah, OK to Jess and Ella Locust. Les peacefully passed away Friday, March 19, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Les received his education at Vian Elementary School from Kindergarten to sixth grade, and at Sequoyah Schools graduating in 1966. After graduation, he enlisted into the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Hawaii for one year and then deployed to Vietnam for three tours as an aircraft mechanic on C-130’s. He proudly served his country, and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in July of 1973. Les then enlisted into the Army National Guard at Camp Gruber, where he earned rank of an E-6. Les retired in 2006 as a Staff Sargent. Les was a member of the Frank Gladd American Legion Post #20 in Ft. Gibson. Les was a very patriotic serviceman, which he instilled in his children. Les worked for the Corps of Engineers, while working there, he enrolled, and began attending Conners State College. Les eventually transferred to Northeastern State University graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Science in 1986. Les married his best friend, Sammie Harris on March 1, 1996 in Ft. Smith, AR. Les’ love for travel would set him on a career path as a Coast to Coast truck driver, where he would earn the coveted “2 Million Mile” pin for his driving accomplishment. Les was an active member at The Old Mission Church in Ft. Gibson, OK for more than 25 years, where he loved to praise and worship God. Les enjoyed playing golf, photography, fishing, hunting, attending rodeos, and watching air shows. Les was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Mike McConnell, Abraham “Abe” Locust, Oaks Locust, Charles “Rock” Locust, Vincent “Toy” Locust, and Louis “Lou” Locust, sisters: Myria “Sibby” Ballard, Paula Christie, and Edith Dalton. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sammie of the home; son, Leslie Locust, Jr. and wife Jenell of Vian; daughters, Becky Dyer and husband Mike “Mika” of Muldrow, Monica Taylor and husband Danny of Schulter; sons, Billy Parker and wife Gay Lynn of Muskogee, Joe Dale Parker and wife Pat of Muskogee; daughter, Suzie Guinn and husband Rex of Stilwell; brother, James "Booter" Locust. Les is also survived by his grandkids, Brandi Noisey, Derek & Chelsey Locust, Hailey & Justin Sharp, Kaitlyn & Clay Bolinger, Tre & Fontana Locust, Camry & Dillon Jett, Macee Underwood, Dakota Brown, Matt Parker, Jessica Legarda, Jacob Tinsley, Dallas & Becky Guinn, Mary and Tina Guinn; great grandkids, Rian, Easton, Reid, Sawyer, Carson, Emma, Noah, Evelyn, Jackson, Kimber, Karson, Ava, and Sawyer; special niece, Shawnee “Dobbie” Livers as well as a host of other family & friends. Les will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and leaves a legacy of love, devotion and patriotism that his family will carry on. A visitation will be Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Clifford D. Garrett Funeral Home in Ft. Gibson from 5pm – 7pm. The celebration of Les’ life will be held at 12pm (Noon) on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Richard Pickup officiating. Interment will follow at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, where full Military Honors will be observed. The family of Leslie Eugene Locust, Sr. has entrusted his care, services, and burial to Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Ft. Gibson, OK. (918)478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com This obit was beautifully written by the family.

Leslie Eugene Locust, Sr.

September 28, 1946 - March 19, 2021