Pastor J. Leo Guthrie

The Reverend J. Leo Guthrie, 72, long time Pastor of the Stigler First Assembly of God Church was called away Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born August 3, 1940 at Muskogee to Virgil Frank Guthrie and Bertha Mable (Perry) Guthrie. He attended Wainwright Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1958. He continued his education at Northeastern State University. On December 30, 1960 he married his high school sweetheart, Edith Mae Ogden. Together they shared the vision and work of their goals in life and the Ministry. They shared 51 years and 10 months together. Leo received his Bachelors Degree in 1962 and earned his Masters Degree in 1966. He began his career in education at Talihina in 1962. He was principal at Rocky Hill School in Okmulgee County for 2 years and Midway School as principal and superintendent for 5 years. He was always very active in church work and had an avid interest in studying the Bible. In 1970 he publicly announced his intention to become a minister. He accepted the Pastorate of Stigler First Assembly of God Church on the first Sunday in May, 1970. He pastored that church until his death. He served as a sectional Presbyter of the Oklahoma District of the Assemblies of God from 1996 to 2012. He led many building programs and projects at the church in Stigler. He went on Missions Trips to Nicaragua, Haiti, Cuba, Russia, Israel, and other sites. He felt honored to visit or help anywhere a need arose. Denomination was no issue with him, he saw only individuals. He often said that the Stigler church and the community had been very good to him. He enjoyed improvement projects, traveling, and loved his 55 Chevy’s. He adored his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Edith Guthrie of the home; three sons, Brett Guthrie and wife Terri of Stigler, Monty Guthrie and wife Lisa of Poteau, Bart Guthrie of Stigler; his grandchildren, Tyler Garner, Gaven Guthrie, Addie Guthrie, Garrison Guthrie, Ryleigh Guthrie, and Blaine Guthrie; two sisters, Lena Mae Hatcher of Wainwright, Freeda Morgan of Muskogee; five brothers, Floyd Guthrie and wife Sue of Wainwright, John Guthrie and wife Wanda of Muskogee, Clarence Guthrie and wife Helen of Muskogee, his twin brother Cleo Guthrie and wife Eunice of Muskogee, Cecil Guthrie and wife Patty of Wainwright; his mother in law, Ruth Ogden of Muskogee; his brothers and sisters in law, John and JoAnn Ogden of Wainwright, Jim and Debbie Ogden of Wainwright, Maxine Guthrie of Wainwright, JoAnn Guthrie of Wainwright. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, V.F. Guthrie Jr., and C.O. Guthrie; two brother in laws, Edward Hatcher and Lloyd Morgan; one sister in law, Sandy Ogden Smalley; his father in law, B.L. “Buet” Ogden. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 22, 2012 at the Stigler First Assembly of God Church with Oklahoma District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Reverend H. Frank Cargill officiating. The Eulogist will be Reverend Clarence Guthrie. Pallbearers will be Bobby Coyle, Bryan Keith, Pepo Pemberton, Matt Webster, Rick Davis, Wes Miller, Ed Stricklin, Dalen Garner, Bryan Amos, and Brandon Amos. Honorary pallbearers will be all men of Stigler First Assembly of God Church. Reverend Cecil Guthrie will officiate the graveside services at Stigler Cemetery. Funeral service arrangements are the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.

Pastor J. Leo Guthrie

August 3, 1940 - October 18, 2012