Leon Paul Carter

Leon Paul Carter, age 78, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Born on October 8, 1947, in Waldron, Arkansas, Leon was the son of Leon Jack Carter and Betty Lucille (Snoddy) Carter. He attended Cromwell and Parks Elementary Schools and proudly graduated from Hatfield High School in 1952.

Leon devoted much of his life to his country, serving honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Drafted on June 16, 1969, he received several commendations throughout his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with DVC6, Good Conduct Medal, and The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was honorably discharged on June 6, 1975.

On June 21, 1969, Leon married Evelyn Carter in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Later, on December 7, 1980, he married Beverly Ann Wilcox in Muskogee, Oklahoma, sharing 25 happy years of marriage until Beverly’s passing.

A devout Christian, Leon cherished his family and found joy in fishing and hunting. He is survived by his sons, Leon Paul Carter Jr. of Skiatook, Oklahoma, Christopher Adam Carter of Fountain, Colorado, and Jessie Daniel Crabtree of Eufaula, Oklahoma; daughters Loretta Crabtree of Eufaula and Marla Carter of Skiatook, Oklahoma; brothers David Hamm, Keri Hamm, and Frankie Hamm; and sisters "Little Betty" Ruth Bishop Brown and Jenny Merrick, all of Arkansas. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren with one on the way.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents Leon Carter and Betty Lucille Hamm, his beloved wife Beverly (Wilcox) Carter, brothers Dewey Hamm, Verbie Hamm, and Gary Kimbrough, sister Geraldean Hamm, and daughter Rhonda Lyvonne Holmes.