LeRoy Powers

LeRoy Powers, a prominent Oklahoma attorney for over 50 years, passed away on Tuesday, August 21, 2001. He was born June 7, 1914, on a small farm in Ottawa County, OK of Irish immigrant parents. He attended St. Mary's of the Quapaws Indian School, where he graduated validictorian. LeRoy enrolled at Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical College, which is now Oklahoma State University, to pursue a career in journalism. Assigned as an intern reporter to cover stories at the courthouse, he found his true calling in the legal profession. After graduation from OAMC, LeRoy earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law. Because of the pending draft and America's immanent entry into WWII, LeRoy was allowed to take the bar early. He joined the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in Naval Intelligence. Ordered to Pearl Harbor, LeRoy quickly became known for his ability as a problem solver. An accident on the north island of Kawaii left the Navy with a vital position that needed to be filled immediately. As there were no officers available, LeRoy was sent to take the position. Due to extreme shortages in equipment and personel, and the suddenness of his transfer, there was no vehicle available for him when he arrived. Hitch-hiking from the dirt runway airfield to the barracks, LeRoy was given a ride by head of the Kawaii U.S.O. That ride was to last almost sixty years. The U.S.O. head was a young woman from Missoula, Montana, Ruth McCullough. LeRoy & Ruth were married on the island of Kawaii Aug. 16, 1943. After the war, LeRoy established his law pratice in Oklahoma City. He was soon appointed legal advisor to Governor Johnston Murry and was retained in that position by Governor Raymond Gary. LeRoy was subsequently named Chief Attorney for the State Highway Department, where he worked until 1959, when he returned to private practice. In the ensuing years LeRoy's practice covered the nation and was widely known for his skill and ethics. Many Oklahomans will remember him for a well publicized case in the early 1960's involving Mad Magazine. A prominent Oklahoma politician, in a speech at Oklahoma University in Norman, called the magazine 'communist propaganda' and of course the magazine sued. The politician, thinking the New York based publication would bring lawyers from New York City, swore he would never recant or apologize. Upon finding that LeRoy would represent the magazine, the politician transfered all his holdings to his wife's name, publicly apologized and the case was settled. LeRoy's reputation alone won the case. In addition to his professional practice, LeRoy volunteered his services for 22 years as Town Attorney of Forest Park, Oklahoma. He recently received an award from Oklahoma City University School of Law for practicing law for more years after graduation than any other OCU Law School graduate. LeRoy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Powers of Forest Park, Oklahoma, and his sons, Michael of Detroit, Michigan and Dennis of Boulder, Colorado. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001 at the Barnes & Johnson Funeral Home, 1820 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City, OK - followed by burial at KOLB Cemetery, NE 36th on Midwest Blvd.