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A Celebration of Life for Leon Alvyn Riffel, age 83, of Enid, will be 11:00 am, Monday, January 6, 2025 at Emmanuel Enid Church with Reverend's Wade Burleson and Shelby Maddox officiating. The United States Navy Honor Guard will provide military Honors at the church. Service and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.
On January 6, 1941, the world was made brighter with the birth of our Daddy, Daddio, Pawpaw, and husband. Leon Alvyn Riffel was born to Herman and Leona Riffel in Enid, OK. He was full of life, orneriness, laughter, compassion and LOTS of love. There was never a stranger he wouldn't complain to...no matter who you were, you would soon be his friend.
After graduation from Enid High School in 1958, he joined the US Navy and served as an aircraft machinist for four years. During that time, he welcomed two children, Allen and Brenda, from his first marriage. His only regret was not being as present as he would've loved to be in their formative years.
In 1968, he met and fell in love with Carolyn and married her in Perry, Oklahoma, on August 17.
Two daughters, Heather and Candice were born. The lives of his children brought him so much joy, even after being on the road all day he would still have the energy to give his girls rides on his feet, yeet them across the room (into a pile of pillows), trips in the bright yellow dune buggy and so much more. Carolyn was the love of his life and walked beside him for 56 years.
Leon worked for Commercial Distributing, Inc., for 21 years and retired in October 2024, from a 32 year career at Janzen GMC. His jobs allowed him the time he loved interacting with the public, bringing smiles to everyone he met.
Leon's life was far from perfect. He was a liar. A cheat. A thief. In August 1982, Carolyn and the girls were attending a revival. During the week, Heather was so moved by a vision of her daddy burning in hell that she woke him up when they got home to tell him. He responded with "I'm glad you know where YOU are going." Carolyn asked him again the next morning before he left if he would please come with them that night which was met with "If I get home in time..." He didn't. On the last day of the revival, a family friend went to his job and invited and encouraged him to attend. He did. And on August 11, his life would be forever changed.
He spent the next 42 years loving and serving his Savior, Jesus Christ!
Throughout his life you could find him doing any of the things he loved the most: flying, singing in the choir, golf, woodworking, snacking on watermelon Jolly Ranchers, fudgecicles, and Chick-O-Sticks, spending time with his family and doting on his beloved Malachi aka Bubbie.
In April 2024, at the age of 83, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic/Liver cancer. After a lot of prayer, he made the decision to make the most of his life and did not pursue treatment. His family supported his decision and made the most out of the days ahead. On December 11, the Lord chose to heal him and took him home.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn. His four children: Allen (Susan) Riffel of Tigard, OR; Brenda (Dave) Kipperman of Roseburg, OR; Heather (Chad) Weber of Enid, OK; and Candice (Robert) Hoy of Tulsa, OK. His five grandchildren: Tinah (Rusty) Moles of Enid, OK; Caleb (Brittney) Reed of Enid, OK; Timi (Aaron) Tena of Klamath Falls, OR; Morgan Hoy of Tulsa, OK; and Brock Weber of Enid, OK. His six great-grandchildren: Camdyn, Maylyn, Annalise, Beckhym, Charlotte and Bryndle.
His family has chosen to celebrate his life on his birthday on January 6, 2025, 11am at Emmanuel Enid, 2505 W. Garriott Rd. You may visit Leon and say "Until we meet again" at Ladusau-Evans Friday, December 13 (9am-5pm), Saturday, December 14 (9am-9pm), and Sunday, December 15 (9am-9pm). There will be no graveside service due to Leon's decision to be cremated.
Hospice Circle of Life was vital in his care and we are requesting donations be made on his behalf to them in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made through Ladusau Evans, in person or through the Hospice website: https://hospicecircleoflove.com/memorial-donations/
Condolences may be made, memories shared, and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.
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