The final resting place of centenarian Harry (H. Leonard) Mayes is at the southeast side of Grace Hill Cemetery, in section S. He shares an upright marker with his wife Flora who lived to the age of 98! Their headstone has the following inscription:
Mayes
Flora B.
Sept 2, 1912
Nov. 17, 2010
H. Leonard
Apr. 22, 1910
Mar. 5, 2011
Leonard's obituary, from his Find a Grave memorial: (
visit link)
Leonard Mayes, 100, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on March 5, 2011. He died at home with his family at his side.
A long-time Perry resident, he and his late wife, Flora Belle, had lived in Dallas with their daughter and son-in-law since October, 2004.
Leonard was born Harry Leonard Mayes on April 22, 1910, in Guthrie, OK. He was the older of two sons born to Richard F. and Della Mayes. His parents and his brother, Leslie, preceded him in death.
Leonard graduated from Guthrie High School and, as a young adult, operated a full-service station in Guthrie, OK.
On Christmas Day, 1933, he married the former Flora Belle Dickson and was a devoted, loving husband for nearly 77 years until Flora Belle died in November, 2010.
They established their first home in a one-room log cabin and Leonard continued to manage the station while Flora Belle taught school.
In 1941, they moved to Perry and purchased the Western Auto store which they operated for 31 years.
Leonard's life was characterized by integrity, faithfulness, and service to God, his family, his community, and others.
After moving to Perry, he joined and became an active member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher for many years. He also served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, worked with the Boy Scouts, and was a member of the Lion's Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the IOOF Lodge.
When World War II began, Leonard wanted to serve his country but was not inducted due to health reasons.
As well as a means of providing for his family, Leonard considered his occupation as a way of helping others by providing goods and services that made their lives easier or more productive.
After selling the Western Auto, he responded to the requests of many Perry residents, opened an appliance repair business, and served the community in this capacity until age 90.
As neighbors aged, Leonard checked on them daily and often took them meals that Flora Belle had prepared. He was devoted to his family and each one remembers his numerous acts of service on their behalf.
Leonard's favorite leisure activities were traveling with Flora Belle in their motor home, playing games with family and friends, fishing, playing the harmonica, and learning new things – especially how something worked. He learned to use the computer at age 89.
A man of strong, Christian faith, Leonard's favorite scripture was the Gospel message of John 3:16.
Leonard is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Byron and Corky Mayes; daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Craig Fowler; grandchildren, Pamela Zumwalt, Dina and Scott Anderson, John and Tori Fowler; great-grandchildren, Zach and Stephanie Zumwalt, Kaylen and Kristen Anderson, Michael and Lilly Fowler; great-great-grandchildren, Devon and Bailey Zumwalt; sisters-in-law, Leone Hipsley and Aleen Dickson; many nieces, nephews and friends. He is and will continue to be deeply missed.
Services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Brown-Dugger Funeral Home Chapel in Perry. His nephews, Rev. William Park and Rev. Robert Park will conduct the service.
Burial will be at Grace Hill Cemetery.