Burrell Lee Leatherwood

Burrell Lee Leatherwood, 68, of Yukon, Oklahoma, went to be with our Lord on June 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Burrell's life began on August 7, 1956, just southeast of Elk City, Oklahoma, in the back of Grandpa Leatherwood's Chevy on Highway 152 — a fittingly unique start for a man who would go on to live an extraordinary life defined by resilience, faith, and deep love for family and friends.

Burrell's life was changed forever on July 14, 1971, when, at the age of 14, he sustained a spinal cord injury while swimming in Mill Creek in Salem, Oregon. Though the accident left him a quadriplegic, it never defined his spirit. With unwavering support from his mother, Eva, and later his devoted brother and caregiver, Mark, Burrell forged a life rich in purpose, impact, and humor.

A 1974 graduate of Yukon High School, Burrell pursued higher education at Southern Nazarene University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1979 and a Bachelor of Science in 1981. In 1996, he joined the Goodwill Work Ready program to update his computer skills. His determination and excellence were recognized when he was named Oklahoma Graduate of the Year. A year later, he was honored as both the Oklahoma and National Rehabilitation Citizen of the Year, receiving the national award from President Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C.

Burrell worked as a contract computer programmer for the FAA for nearly 20 years, a role that showcased his intelligence, adaptability, and dedication.

His faith was central to his life. A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Yukon, Burrell's commitment to worship never wavered—even when bedridden, he remained connected to services online. He lived by the principle: God first, then family and friends.

A true lover of technology, Burrell enjoyed computer gaming, collecting coins and stamps, and rarely missed a Pittsburgh Steelers or Pirates game. He especially cherished time spent playing cards and dominoes with his family. Those close to him will forever miss his razor-sharp wit, his playful sarcasm, and his deeply rooted love for those around him.

Burrell was preceded in death by his parents, JB and Eva Leatherwood, and his older brother, Larry Leatherwood. He is survived by his brother Don and wife Sandi Leatherwood of Yukon; brother Terry and wife Carla Leatherwood of Alvord, Texas; brother Mark Leatherwood of Yukon; and several nieces and nephews who brought him great joy.

Viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 29, 2025 at the funeral home. A celebration of Burrell's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Yukon, Oklahoma, with interment to follow at Yukon Cemetery.

As 2 Timothy 4:7-8 says: "He fought a good fight, he kept the faith, he won the race."

Burrell's journey was one of courage, faith, and love—a life truly well lived.