Leonard Wayne Kramme

Celebrating the Life of Leonard "Papa" Kramme

August 31, 1946 – July 19, 2025

Leonard Kramme wasn't just a man; he was Papa. He resided in Bethany, Oklahoma. He lived 78 years filled with grit, grace, and that kind of stubborn, no-nonsense love that changes lives. He wasn't the kind of man who sugarcoated things. He told it like it was, whether you were ready or not. And somehow, that honesty was one of the best ways he showed his love.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Leonard served as a computer programmer and builder, using his sharp mind and steady hands to support his country and later, his family. After his honorable discharge, he and his wife, Rosemary, built a photography business together, capturing wedding days and once-in-a-lifetime memories for couples all over town. The two were known and loved across Bethany as a true team.

In 1996, when life called for more than most would give, Leonard and Rosemary stepped in without hesitation and raised their grandchildren as their own. He didn't have to, but he did it because that's who he was. He became Dad, Papa, and the rock that held it all together.

Leonard raised girls with work boots on and a heart wide open. He took them shopping, sat through living room fashion shows, taught them how to change the oil, build a chicken coop, and patch a fence (that's still holding up, barely). He gave out lectures like candy, straight to the point and impossible to forget. He was the kind of man you listened to, even when you didn't listen to anyone else.

He loved long drives, fishing trips, raising chickens and ducks, and trying (again and again) to grow tomatoes, though they never quite cooperated. And if something broke, well, he'd either fix it himself or call one of the grandkids, acting annoyed the whole time while quietly proud that they knew how.

Leonard was led back to Sunday School by a friend who didn't flinch when Papa warned he might be confrontational; he simply said, "Bring it on." And just like that, faith found him again in the kind of quiet, unwavering way it always had.

Leonard was preceded in death by, his parents, Elmer and Ruby Brown; and his brother Chuck.

He leaves behind his loving wife Rosemary; grandchildren, Shelby Kramme, Autumn Kramme, Tabitha Alford, and Kyle Walton; and nine great-grandchildren, Kayden, Skylar, Everett, Ares, Piper, Jaxon, Amya, Aria, and Brooklynn, who will carry his spirit, his humor, and his strength into the future.

Papa wasn't just ours, he was everyone's. He taught us how to work hard, speak up, love fully, and live with purpose. He was the kind of man who didn't need to be asked - he just showed up, again and again. His life was loud with laughter, deep with love, and unforgettable in all the ways that matter.

He was the best man we've ever known. We love you, old man. Always.

#KEEPCALMANDLETPAPAHANDLEIT

Visitation with family present will be held at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Chapel on Saturday, August 9 from 1:00 – 3:00pm. Burial in Ft. Sill National Cemetery will take place at a later date.