Leigh Roy McKenrick, Sr., a Tryon resident, passed away early Sunday, February 20, 2011 in his home at the age of 76 years.

The son of the late Leroy McKenrick and Bertha Willardz McKenrick, Leigh was born on November 1, 1934 in East Moline, Illinois.

He was reared and educated in Illinois and on February 26, 1952 Leigh enlisted into the United States Air Force where he served until receiving his honorable discharge.

Leigh spent most of his adult life working as a painter in the Tulsa area where he painted both residential and commercial buildings. Several of his larger clients were local hotels and motels.

While living in the Tulsa area, Leigh also took care of several terminally ill patients.

Leigh loved to garden and had even ran a plant nursery in Arizona for several years. This was a passion that he carried with him until his death.

Leigh was united in marriage to Ludene Armstrong on January 8, 2005 in Perkins, Oklahoma and the couple made their home in Tryon, Oklahoma.

Survivors include his wife, Ludene of the home in Tryon, Oklahoma; three sons, Mike McKenrick, Danny McKenrick, and Steve McKenrick, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two step-sons, Leroy Anderson of Nogal, New Mexico; and Gary Anderson of Tryon, Oklahoma; one step-daughter, Lesley Potter of Cushing, Oklahoma; one brother, John Harrington of Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters, Virgie Samuelson of Marana, Arizona; and Sharon Lecrone of Columbia, Illinois; four grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Leigh was preceded in death by one daughter, Becky Harris and one brother, Frank McKenrick.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of the Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, Oklahoma and will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2011 in the Church of the Firstborn in Perkins, Oklahoma with Brother Roger Lane officiating.

Burial will follow in the Osage Cemetery, Agra, Oklahoma.

Military honors will be performed by the United States Air Force and the American Legion of Chandler, Oklahoma, which Leigh was a member of.