Leo C. Oak

Leo Clinton Oak was born September 15, 1933 in Madison, IN to John Frank and Effie Browning Oak. His mother Effie died when Leo was a small child. His father married Edith Ruel Oak when Leo was 6 years old. Edith was a first and second grade school teacher and she was Leo’s teacher before she became his mother. She was a dedicated and loving mother who adored him.

During his youth Leo loved doing things outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and belonged to the 4-H Club. He especially enjoyed showing his cattle at the Indiana State Fair.  He graduated in 1951 from Central High School in Madison.

On July 18, 1954, Leo married Barbara Temperly Oak and to this union three sons were born, Richard, Michael and Christopher. Barbara passed away on September 10, 1978.

Leo was active in the US Army from May 11, 1954 to May 10, 1956. After being discharged from the military he attended Hanover College from 1956 to 1960 majoring in Geology.  He wanted a job where he didn’t have to sit behind a desk all day.  After college he worked for RCA, Avon Company and Cincinnati Bell before getting his dream job in Geology at Martin Marietta Aggregates.  He worked for Martin Marietta for over 30 years and retired in March 31, 2002.

Leo married Karen Mather Oak, from Weeping Water, Nebraska on September 19, 1981. Leo, Rick, Mike and Chris also added a bonus son and brother, Trevor to the family.

On February 15, 2003, within one year of retirement, Leo had a debilitating stroke and for the next 16 years endured life as well as he could.  He passed away January 26, 2019 and in now with our Lord and Savior.

Surviving Leo are his wife Karen, sons Rick (JoAnn), Mike, Chris, Trevor (Heather) Oak; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and many supporting family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his mother Effie Oak, father Frank Oak, mother Edith Oak, first wife Barbara Oak and an infant brother. 

A service to celebrate Leo’s life will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Seals Funeral Home, Fortville.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am until the time of service.  Burial will take place at Gravel Lawn Cemetery, Fortville where military honors will be performed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fortville First United Methodist Church 125 E. Staat Street Fortville, IN 46040 or the American Stroke Association 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674.  Online condolences may be shared at www.sealsfuneralhome.com.

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