BURTIS FUGATE

January 5, 1921 - March 31, 2012 ESCONDIDO, CA Burtis Leon Fugate, "Leon" to all who knew and loved him, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 31, 2012 after a brief illness. Although he and his wife, Ruth, had lived in Midwest City, OK for over 50 years, they had recently relocated to Escondido, CA and were residents at the Springs of Escondido Retirement Community. He was born in Fayetteville, AR on Jan. 5, 1921 to Olan and Bessie Fugate. In addition to his precious wife of 66 years, Leon leaves behind 2 children, Kathryn McNally and husband Pat of Escondido, CA and Timothy Leon Fugate and wife Birgit of Moore, OK. He also has 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a nephew, Reyndell Stockman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dola Jean Maples. Leon's early years were spent on a farm in Kendrick, OK where he learned many of life's lessons such as a strong work ethic, personal self-discipline and honesty and integrity; character traits that served he and those he loved his entire life. At the age of 20 he joined millions of young American patriots serving his Country as a Gunner's Mate aboard the USS McClanahan during WWII. In 1951 he again went to war on the USS Los Angeles during the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge after eight years of naval service in 1954 having received numerous medals and commendations from his WWII participation in battle conflicts throughout the Mediterranean area and his subsequent service off the Korean Coast. Upon returning home he went to work for Okla. Natural Gas Co., having a 36 year career in various positions including Maintenance Supervisor.He would tell you the biggest honor of his life was serving Jesus as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Midwest City, OK. He and his wife could be found almost any day of the week doing works of service for his Lord and Church. He love, patience and godliness he displayed were evident to all who knew and loved him. As a result Leon left a legacy of faith and love to his family and friends who will greatly miss him. We are all quite certain that when he found himself in Heaven the Lord Jesus said, "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into My rest." Leon was interred in the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA on April 12th. A Celebration of his life will be held at the Lighthouse Baptist Church, 9805 N.E. 10th St., Midwest City, OK on May 12th at 11 a.m. His family extends an invitation to all who loved and knew him to join us.