Reverend Leonard Doakes

Rev. Leonard Doakes, Sr. was born to Lloyd and Wilma Doakes, Sr. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 21, 1949. He was the fourth of six children, Lloyd (Jr.), Roy, Ferris, Margaret and Larry. Leonard lived in Oklahoma City majority of his young life in Sand Town (OKC). He attended Carver Elementary and graduated from Central High School in 1967. Leonard was baptized at an early age and was very active in church as a Youth Usher and sang in the choir at Antioch Baptist Church in Sand Town under the leadership of Rev. B.F. Johnson, Rev. James Tucker and Rev. Roseburrough. Leonard had a God-given talent for vocal and instrumental music. These talents paved a way to enter Music Education at Langston University and later graduated from Langston in 1972, with a Bachelor degree of Arts in Education. As a student at Langston, Leonard played lead guitar for numerous groups.

During Leonard’s senior year at Langston, he was placed at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City under the leadership and instruction of Mr. Leroy Hicks and Mr. Perry (Choral & Instrumental) Teachers. He remained at Douglass High School until Spring graduation.

Mr. Doakes continued his love for music as the Music Teacher at Eisenhower School, OKCPS and as Marching Band Director in San Diego, California at Lincoln High School. Years later, he served as a Counselor for Neighborhood House Association as well as Transportation Coordinator for Little Light Christian School. Not only did Mr. Doakes have a love for music, he loved the Word of God. Leonard was called to preach in 1978, at Emmanuel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. J.B. Bratton, Jr. As one of Pastor Bratton’s last requests, Rev. Doakes was to be licensed and ordained immediately. He was licensed and ordained September 1978. Ministerial friends of Pastor Bratton completed the request (Rev. Dewitt Roland, Rev. W.B. Parker, Rev. W.K. Jackson, Rev. M.A. Curry, Rev. E. H. Hill and Rev. H.A. Walker). The ordination was filed in the District Court of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. Rev. Leonard Doakes, Sr. was called to pastor at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, Oklahoma City. He served there three years.

Rev. Doakes led many Evangelist groups to the streets of Oklahoma City, nursing homes, prisons and individual homes. He never forgot his calling. After leaving Oklahoma City and residing in California, Rev. Doakes and his family united with Bayview Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Timothy J. Winters for more than 20 years. He was a member of the Associate Ministers, Men’s Chorus and Mass Choir. Later in his ministry, he united with Fountain of Life Church of God in Christ under Bishop J.E. Blake, Jr. There he served until retiring and returning to Oklahoma City where he served faithfully at Holy Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Frank R. McClarty. Rev. Doakes was known as, “Papa Doakes.” He loved his pastor, first family, and the Holy Temple Family. He continued his service for the Lord until his health began to decline. Papa Doakes coined the saying, “Thank God for Jesus.” He was fervent and a praying Christian.

Rev. Leonard Doakes, Sr. leaves his devoted and loving wife, Myrion Doakes of forty-eight years; his children, Rev. Leonard Doakes, Jr. (deceased), Mylon Doakes, Rev. LeOndra Doakes, and Myah Doakes; three grandchildren, I’rie Doakes, Isaiah Doakes and Layla Doakes; two brothers, Lloyd Doakes, Jr. (wife, Myrtle Doakes), Roy Doakes (wife, Helen Doakes); many nieces, nephews, cousins, students, friends and church family. We loved him and he loved us.

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