Leonard Milton Ferrell Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Leonard Milton Ferrell, Jr., passed away on April 2, 2018 at the age of 90 in Austin, TX. Leonard was born on August 5, 1927 on a ranch outside of Vega, near Amarillo TX where his father, Leonard, Sr., and mother, Alma Othela Brazil, were married the year before. They had met earlier on the Landigan ranch, where his father was a cowhand and his mother was the cook for the ranch. The oldest of 10 children, Leonard had a strong sense of caring for his family, and was very generous, helping his mother and siblings many times over his life. His family moved several times during his childhood. One of the most memorable places that he lived was Mesa Rica NM, where his father worked on building the Conchas Dam, fueling a lifelong fascination with dams and their construction. His father spent most of his life working as a carpenter. Leonard, Jr. joined the Navy in 1945, where he drove a boat that took the “brass” from ship to shore. Like many boys of the time, he had not completed his education when he enlisted. When he returned to Amarillo, he attended Amarillo High to complete his studies, which put him there at the same time as Maxine Broaddus, five years his junior, who stole his heart. He married Maxine at First Christian Church in Amarillo on December 3, 1950. They met when she asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance. They celebrated 66 years of marriage in December 2016. He loved being with his family, organized many family reunions, and formed good friends with co-workers, at church, while golfing, and in his neighborhood. He worked for Western Union prior to getting a job with Southwestern Bell collecting coins from pay phones. He worked his way up from there to being a fifth level executive for AT&T, from which he retired in 1984. In retirement, he and Maxine owned several rental properties in Austin, which they maintained. An avid golfer, Leonard played weekly in Austin, and especially relished playing in the summers in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He also loved music, whether it was listening to one of his over 3500 records or singing and playing his guitar. He could fix anything, and enjoyed refurbishing furniture and golf clubs. He was an active part of Hyde Park Christian Church, and served many roles, including Chair of the Board. He volunteered many hours working with the METS (Men Expecting to Serve) group which maintained the church. He enjoyed learning and preparing lessons for teaching his Sunday School Class. He is predeceased by his wife, Maxine, his father, Leonard, his mother, Alma, and seven of his nine brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughters: Linda Figg and husband Michael, Lisa Nolan and husband Chris, and Trina Willis, by his grandchildren: Ryan Figg and partner Amanda Elmore, Noah Figg and wife Alicia, Jeremy Nolan, Stephanie Willis, Patrick Nolan and wife Rebecca, and Stacie Willis, and by his great-grandchildren: Maddison De La Torre and Jordan Figueroa. He is also survived by his sister, Christine Roberts, and his brother, Donny Ferrell. In lieu of flowers, please give to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch or a charity of your choice.

Leonard Milton Ferrell Jr.

August 5, 1927 - April 2, 2018