James "Leo" Dement, age 85, a Tushka, OK resident, was born on Monday, December 17, 1928, to Walter and Dolly May (Henson) Dement, at Haywood, OK. Leo passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Tushka, OK. He attended Haywood grade school and then Ashland High School. He married Sammie Lee (Curtis) in November 16, 1948 in Ashland, OK. Leo moved to Texas in 1950 where they raised their family in Plano then Allen. He was a Builder/ Contractor. He was involved in the community, and was a volunteer Fire Chief for several years in Allen TX. as well as on the Allen ISD school board for several years and the Board of Directors of Allen State Bank. He retired in May of 1975 when they moved to Tushka, OK. Leo kept cattle and worked for Ernie Griffin for several years. Leo and Sammie joined the New Zion United Methodist Church and were active members in the church and communities of Tushka and Atoka for many years. Leo and Sammie always enjoyed music and singing, bringing joy to many, especially ministering at the local retirement and nursing homes. He enjoyed his grand and great grand kids and his Church. He loved his music and sharing it with others Leo is survived by his children, Shirley Larsen and husband Larry of Holly Lake Ranch, TX., Karen Geller and husband Chet of Tushka, OK.; grandchildren, Melissa "Missy" Hartley and husband Chris of Allen, TX., Ethan Evans of Anna, TX., Stephanie (Loftice) Carroll and husband Tim of Arlington, TX., Jimmy Evans and wife Stacy of Anna, TX., Leah Larsen and husband Mario Villareno of Sulphur Springs, TX.; great grandchildren, Joe Neal, Hailynn, Trevor, Madison, Joel, and Alexis ; siblings, Viva McBride, Ruth Richards, Marie Corley, Opal Maxwell, and Lloyd Dement; brother-in-law, A.F. Curtis and wife Aloma; sister-in-law, Lucy Arvella Harrison; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews other relatives and many dear and loved friends. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dolly May (Henson) Dement; wife, Sammie Dement; in-laws, Orville and Blanche Curtis; daughter, Sheila Evans; son-in-law, Steve Evans ; sisters, Ruby Jobe & Doris Womack. ****************************************************************************** DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Saturday, March 8th, 2014 PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma OFFICIATING: Rev. Richard Cox & Rev. Daniel Ramey INTERMENT: Ridgeview Cemetery, Mckinney, Texas CASKETBEARERS: Jimmy Evans, Ethan Evans, Chris Hartley, Tim Carroll, Joe Loftice, Jim Richards HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: A.F. Curtis, Lloyd Dement, Jerry Hinkle, Chet Geller, Larry Larsen, Ernie Griffin CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE FAMILY NIGHT FRIDAY 6-8 SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK