A Remembrance and Celebration of Life service for Leon E. Jewell age 79 of Enid will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Randy Mitchell and Rev. Davis Chappell officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Leon was born September 7, 1935 at St Mary’s Hospital to Lloyd E. and Mildred V. (Green) Jewell and passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, August 25, 2015. He graduated from Okeene High School in 1953. While in junior high school, he began studying privately with Gerald Hemphill and continued throughout his high school years.

Upon graduation from high school, Leon entered Oklahoma University, majoring in aeronautical engineering. He was a member of the Big Red Machine Band. Deciding the wanted to major in music, Jewell transferred to Phillips University in Enid where he was director of music at the Enid State School, a member of the 45th Division Army Band and a member of Phi Mu Alpha, honorary music fraternity. He completed his Master’s Degree at Phillip’s in 1975.

In June of 1958, Leon and Nancy Bradshaw were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Waynoka where her father was pastor. Following their marriage, the Jewells moved to New York City where Leon was a member of the United States Army Band. Their daughter Tracy was born while there.

Upon returning to Enid in 1960, he became the band director at Emerson Junior High School which began a successful career which spanned 30 years. He retired from Waller Junior High School in 1991. During his tenure in Enid Public Schools, his bands received numerous awards, including Outstanding Marching and Concert Band at Tri-State Music Festival, and Division I ratings at both pre-district and district contests.

Leon was a member of OBA and a past member of OMEA and ASNBDA where he served on various committees. He was guest clinician of the Northwest Honor Band and the Red Carpet Honor Band. He was named The Oklahoma Band Director of the Year in 1991. He was a member of EEA, OEA and NEA and after retirement OREA.

He was inducted into the Oklahoma Band Masters Hall of Fame in 2000.

He was Managing Director of Tri-State Music Festival from 2001-2003.

Leon is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the home and daughter Tracy; niece Debbie Prather Knipe of Fountain Valley, CA and nephew, Michael Prather, Folsom, CA. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Skaidrite.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Circle of Love or First United Methodist Church with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home as custodian of the funds.

Condolences and the service may be viewed and may be made online at www.ladusauevans.com .

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leon E Jewell, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.