Leroy Springwater

Leroy Springwater, affectionately known as "L-Dawg," passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 26, 2025, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at the age of 75.

Funeral Service 10 AM, Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Hart Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will be 12:30 PM, Wednesday at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with military honors.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Hart Funeral Chapel from 4 PM until 7 PM.

Born on January 22, 1950, in Tahlequah to Crawford and Edna (Thirsty) Springwater, Leroy grew up with a heart for his community and country. After attending Sequoyah High School, he volunteered at the age of 18 to serve in the United States Marine Corps. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, he served in Da Nang from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1971. For his dedicated service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Leroy's life was defined by his devotion to Christ and his church. He accepted Christ in 1998, and in 2016, he and his wife, Wyanetta, became faithful members of Calvary Indian Baptist Church. As a Trustee, Leroy took immense pride in maintaining and decorating the church, always ensuring the house of the Lord looked its best. He was a natural giver who poured thought and creativity into every gift he shared with others.

An avid sports fan, Leroy could often be found on the golf course or cheering loudly for the LSU Tigers, the Oklahoma Sooners, and his beloved Sequoyah Indians. While he could connect with people of all ages, children held a special place in his heart. He shared a particularly close bond with Gavin; at a moment's notice, the two would head to Walmart to spend whatever change was "burning a hole in their pockets." Whether he was listening to gospel music or spending time with his family, Leroy's presence brought warmth and joy to those around him.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Joyce and Rowena; and his brothers, Duane and Clifford Springwater.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Wyanetta Springwater of Tahlequah. His legacy lives on through his children: James Springwater (Rita), of Wichita, KS, Joanne Springwater, Vanessa Springwater, Sequoyah "Sonny" Springwater, Olivia Springwater, and Shanna Springwater; of Tulsa, OK, and his bonus children, Rocky Masters (Amber) and Crystal Bright (Mitch), of Tahlequah, OK.

He was a proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren: Nina Kay, James Cameron, Sorayah, Aliyannah, Mycah, Samerah, Melainah, Dakiah, Jordan, Isaac, Julius, Michiah, Micah, Meghan, Brynlee, Gavin, and Madilyn. He also leaves behind sisters Juanita McCarter and Cherokee Springwater, Tahlequah, OK, and Shirley Springwater, Waskom, TX. Brothers-in-law Jimmy Canoe (Tammy) and Fabian "Stump" Keener, Tahlequah, OK. Along with a host of extended family and dear friends.

Wyanetta and the family wish to express their deepest gratitude to their kin, Lavina, and the staff at the Muskogee VA Hospital for the exceptional care and respect shown to their beloved Marine in his final days.