Leonard Carl "Butch" Steelman of the Haw Creek Community (Heavener, Oklahoma) 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 at the age of 76.

Butch is survived by:

His wife:

Emma Steelman of the home

One daughter:

Rhonda Tamplin of Heavener, Oklahoma

One son:

Ron Steelman and wife Sheila of Heavener, Oklahoma

One step-daughter:

Pamela Bennett and husband Chris of Claremore, Oklahoma

One step-son:

Joe Box and wife Teri of Heavener, Oklahoma

Two sisters:

Naomi Cundieff of Lake Jackson, Texas

Regina Rowland and husband Dean of Ozark, Arkansas

Seven grandchildren:

David Alan Tamplin, Jr. and fiancé Hailee Parks of Melissa, Texas

Jessica Montgomery of Heavener, Oklahoma

Shannon Ludington and spouse Kristian of Yukon, Oklahoma

Ronald Steelman, Jr. of North Lake, Texas

Sooner Joe Box of Heavener, Oklahoma

Tyler Box and wife Jensen of Poteau, Oklahoma

Shyla Rowzee of Corpus Christi, Texas

Four great-grandchildren

Numerous cousins, other loved ones, and a host of friends

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

Butch was a long-time resident of the area, an equipment operator for the LeFlore County Highway Department District #3 from October, 1972 and 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.

A funeral service celebrating Butch's life will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, 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, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: Joe Allen, Duane Caughern, Joey Chitwood, Mike Deere, Brandon Faulkenberry, Case Haynes, Ceb Scott, and Cecil Williams.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Garrett Allen, Mike Andrews, Randy Burgess, John Dennington, Johnny Johnston, Mike Yarberry, Gerald McKay, Norman Wilhite, and Wes Falls.

Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday; and 9:00 a.m. to noon, Saturday at the funeral home.

The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.