Leonard Alvin Howard

Leonard Alvin Howard, Jr., 59, of McAlester, died Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence.
The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Bishop Chapel of Memories officiated by Mr. Michael Sexton. Masonic rites will be performed by Mr. Ed Palmer. Department of Correction honors will be presented by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Honors Team.
Burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in McAlester.
Pallbearers will be Carl Teal, Eric Teal, Danny Teal, Robert Padgett, Brian Engleman, and Nick Valenta.
Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Howard and Larry Elsing.
Leonard was born on May 15, 1966, in McAlester to Leonard A. and Geraldine (Holden) Howard. He attended McAlester Public Schools and graduated from McAlester High School in 1984. He continued his education at Eastern Oklahoma State College and later earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
He dedicated more than 30 years to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, retiring in 2021 as Correctional Chief of Security II. Following his retirement, he worked for the McAlester Scottish Rite as the Building Superintendent for three years.
He was a devoted Mason, proudly serving with Hartshorne-Haileyville Masonic Lodge No. 122, and was a 32° Scottish Rite Mason invested with the rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and beekeeping.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, C.H. and Edna Howard; maternal grandparents, Leonard and Ima Holden; and granddaughter, Izabella Rose Mendoza.
Leonard is survived by his sons, Richard Howard and Kyle Howard; daughters, Lauren Mendoza and Chelsea Hawk and husband, Cameron; grandchildren, Blakelee, Karter, Gabbi, Valentina, Taylor, Grayson, Rilee and Jase; parents, Leonard Howard, Sr. and Geraldine Howard; brother, Randy Howard and wife, Tandy; sister, Gerri Elsing and husband, Larry; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Leonard will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his community, and the many lives he touched throughout his career.