Linda Frances Leatherman

Linda Frances Leatherman, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, departed this life on July 6, 2025, just three days shy of her 81st birthday. Born on July 9, 1944, in Muskogee to Nicholas and Frances L. (Arnold) Kriss, Linda was a lifelong resident of her hometown. From her earliest days, she was marked by warmth, faith, and a spirit of service that touched all who knew her. Linda began her caregiving early in life raising her four brothers Rick, Jack, Johnnie and Terry. On July 14, 1962, Linda married the love of her life, Walter “Lee” Leatherman, in Muskogee. Together they shared a remarkable sixty years of marriage, building a life centered on love, partnership, and mutual devotion. Their steadfast bond remained until Lee’s passing on July 17, 2022. Linda was an indispensable partner in their family business, spending countless hours assisting Lee in selling race car parts and fuel both from their home and at Thunderbird Speedway. She became a familiar and friendly face to many in the racing community, always ready to lend a helping hand and a kind word. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Linda served alongside her husband Lee at New Faith Baptist Church for several years. Later in life, she was a longtime active and faithful member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Muskogee. Linda found immense joy in serving the congregation, particularly through her involvement in the children’s ministry, where her gentle encouragement and nurturing spirit left a lasting impact on generations of young hearts. Linda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Nicholas and Frances; her devoted husband, Lee; and her sons, Walter and Troy, brothers Rick Kriss and Jack Fairdey. Though her heart knew the ache of loss, she continued to give of herself to her family, friends, and church community. She is survived by her siblings: Johnnie Moore and wife Janet of Oklahoma City, OK; and Terry Moore and wife Darlene of Rogers, AR. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law, Danny Leatherman and wife Cheryl of Muskogee, OK, three grandchildren, Nathan, Noah, and Donna Leatherman, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Linda’s life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Mountain View Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Ward officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery to be laid to rest beside her husband. Pallbearers will be Larry Leatherman, Luke Leatherman, Jason Leatherman, Sylus Leatherman, Heath Weston, Matthew Weston, Dustin Leatherman, and Brian Nutt. Honorary pallbearers will be Virgil Weston, Tom Howard, Gary Dunback, Jim Hunzeker, Bill Crow, Mike Leatherman, and David Kasnic.

Linda Frances Leatherman

July 9, 1944 - July 6, 2025