Homegoing Celebration In Honor of Leonard Jeffie Stearns Sr.Sunrise: August 11, 1931 Sunset: November 1, 2015 "Well done, my good and faithful servant". Leonard Jeffie Stearns was born on August 11, 1931 in Boili, Oklahoma to loving parents Jeffery and Earvin Stearns.Leonard or "Daddy Stearns" as he was fondly referred to by most who knew and loved him, was joined in matrimony to his beloved wife Gilda Rae Stearns on December 17, 1957. He was a loving and devoted father of seven children. Daddy Stearns took pride in always being there for his family. He witnessed and celebrated the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. "...but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23. This Bible verse perfectly describes this man of tremendous strength, endurance, and faith.He was a very hard-working man. He started working at the age of 16 at Cudahy. He retired from Cudahay after 46 years dedication. Daddy Stearns also assisted his wife in managing Highlander Laundry Mat for over 20 years. He worked hard to always be a provider for his family. One could always depend and count on him for assistance given with open arms.Daddy Stearns enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren at family gatherings. He had a wonderful sense of humor that he would deliver with a literal twinkle in his eye. He loved watching football and taking walks at Carter Lake with his wife, where they would watch the planes take off and land at Eppley Airfield. He found pleasure cooking meals like Roast, Salmon Patties, Meatloaf, and often provided cornbread for cornbread stuffing during Holiday meals. He loved his dogs and would spoil them often. They repaid him by assisting him in the garden by keeping the critters away.Daddy Stearns was called home on November 1, 2015 and was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gilda Stearns, and sons: Gary, Terry, and Tyrone. He leaves to cherish a sister, two brothers and his loving and devoted children: Sheila McCarty, Karen Alexander, Leonard Stearns Jr. and Rodney Kem Stearns. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Your sweet spirit is still felt in my heartWe will always remember his sweet and gentle spirit. We are comforted by the knowledge that he loved us all and demonstrated his adoration in countless numbers of ways and in just as many occasions. His legacy will continue in the way he was able to demonstrate unconditional love so that we could in turn give to others that same gift. It fills our hearts with joy that he can now bask in the presence of our Lord and Savior who first loved us so well and without condition.Thank you for being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. You are our hero and we love you forever and a day."You left us alone, for you are now at rest. You left us in tears, but we know it's for the best. "-Family