Leonard Eugene Nave

Leonard E. Nave was the first born son to Thomas Nave and Ervema Josephine (Dunlap) Nave, in Hominy, Osage County, Oklahoma. He is a descendant of Chief John and Quatie Ross. He was called Big Brother by Tommy, Louie, Billie and Art. His cousins have no childhood stories without his involvement. He brought all of us such joy. He took his role as Uncle seriously, is loved and admired by his nieces and nephews. Marilyn was his gracious wife and partner in life, he loved her so. What a beautiful pair they were, both were challenged by the other yet both knew the best of each other. As a proud parent of Joy, Tina, Sherry, Boyd, DeAnna, and Andy, he always has time to brag. He also has great Son-In-Laws, and Daughters-In-Laws, wonderful Grand Children and Great Grand Children and many lifelong friends. Leonard began bringing joy to others early in life. He was recognized as special right from the start of his life. The family stories of this young prince were often winter night entertainment at our house. As a young child he was a delight to all the adults around him. He was expected to be special and he always fulfilled their expectations with his responses, insight and savvy instincts which most often proved to be unpredictable and correct. He loved life and an audience. Those who loved him did not dwell on his excesses we valued those qualities that are so seldom found in others. Possibly that was because his excesses were not material things, no personal extravagances. He indulged himself in life, concern for others, and in reflection. With such confidence as he held, some who did not know him were misled by his exterior, but it was always the relationship, the heart and mind that was important about Leonard. He was the best big brother anyone could have. He was best known for his sharp, quick, insightful mind. He was equally well-known for his interest in everyone and what is going on around him. He was a recognized story teller of great proportion. Leonard loved nature and animals. It always seemed as if he felt them to be more pure among God’s Creation. Whether horses, birds or dogs; he valued, trained and understood them. He loved having them in his life. He has been described by many in many different ways. He was a complex person as are most highly intelligent people. With his highly capable mind he was often not understood. Because right seemed so right to him, he did not often explain. But he was highly valued and understood by those who really knew him. He was quick to act, to respond, versatile and rose to fame in our small community as one to remember. He was entertaining, positive and fun. To have Leonard in our family or as a friend brought joy, smiles, confidence and personal pride; to have known and loved one of such ability is a blessing. He shed warmth and lighted our daily lives. Like many our age, our young life was a life of hard work. Leonard made our simple life into a circus and he was the ringmaster. We had very little but we had Leonard as a big brother, how blessed is that? He learned early that harsh words did not mean the end to love; fiercely held unconditional love was always felt in our family. And Leonard, like all of us, was loved. Our young life gave us grit, the willingness to do the hard work, even what others said was impossible and the ability to get along with anyone while learning from every experience. His discussions were often gentler, softer with elders, babies and loved ones; it was different with the young ones who were just beginning to experience adult life. His concern for the next generation to be strong, prepared, and able occupied his mind often. He wanted them to face adult life with an insight, strength and ability. Those things that are developed within, that no one can give another, yet he tried. Where he could accept older people with understanding, he felt a strong desire to open the eyes, ears, hearts and minds of the young, especially the young in our family. He believed a new generation did not mean a new way of doing everything. He held traditional values that others often let easily fade into the past. When he believed strongly he was a force of one, unrelenting. He has been known to refuse to even discuss his decision, because it was so obviously right to him. Over time the result was that he often proved to be right and eventually influenced others of the rightness of the values he held and they supported his position in the final stages. Not only was he the greatest big brother, he was a true traditional Uncle, Cousin, Brother, Father, and a loyal, responsible son. He was always a loyal friend; everyone knew he would help you if he could. He was always a naturalist with an unpretentious personal manner that endeared him to many and challenged many others. He always drew interest and left memories wherever he went. Over the years his strength, common sense, principles, values and insight drew others to him for guidance, joy, confirmation, strength and direction. His in-depth insight was recognized, respected and valued by our parents and family, especially our Father who often said, “I will wait and ask Leonard he will know why this is happening.” Whether it was a reference to an individual’s situation, a story we had heard or a national news story, he knew Leonard would give him a greater understanding. This recognition and ability brought a strength and confidence to my Big Brother and it strengthened all of us. As a pre-teen Leonard recognized Christ as his Savior. Our parents were strong in the faith and held Godly principles. As a young man Leonard served his country, he volunteered at 17 and spent his tour of duty in Korea as a tail gunner and an airplane mechanic. He loved his country and was patriotic in every way. He worked at many jobs because he could basically do anything he set out to do, but he was best as a salesman. Whether he was selling a product or himself, he could sell. His greatest achievement from my observation and to my constant amazement was how much he understood people. That was the key to his successes and achieving his goals. He once held the positions of Police Chief, Constable, Truant Officer, Water Commissioner and Street Commissioner of Barnsdall Oklahoma, all at the same time. The city did not have much revenue at the time, so he was hired and did it all for one salary. He has worked jobs from a roustabout to off-shore oil drilling and exploration, from sales to manager to regional manager to Oklahoma state inspector. He often said and proved that anyone willing to work could always find a job. Much of Leonard’s life epitomizes everyone’s desire to be strong enough to overcome and conquer life and fears, as he met every challenge ready or not. Whether it was active duty in war at 17 years young or to provide for a large family, he overcome and did what was expected. True to his life journey as many from his generation, he sought to find joy in life, enjoy his family, friends and provide for those he loved. Life was that simple and that complex to him. He was never consumed by the challenges of life. He observed and understood life, gained knowledge from every source around him, wisdom from God’s word and always gained from his life experiences. Leonard’s sharp mind, willingness, interests and life’s demands took him around the world, but his love of Oklahoma, his family and friends, and his roots always pulled him back home because his heart and mind was always among his ancestors on the Osage. He will live in our memories forever. His children are respecting and honoring their dad’s wishes so no services will be held. Please remember the good times when you gather with friends and family. We love you, Your Sis, Billie Nave Masters PDF Printable Version

Leonard Eugene Nave

June 12, 1932 - June 26, 2012