Leo Tyrrell

Leo Wayne Tyrrell, 98, of Pampa passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Pampa.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Dan Morrison, family friend, officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Fargo Cemetery in Fargo, Oklahoma under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Leo was born on October 12, 1927 in Fargo, Oklahoma to George and Laura Pearl Tyrrell. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946. On December 23, 1950, Leo married the love of his life, Lavena Mae Treat from Laverne, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work and adventure. As Leo worked in bridge construction and later with Boeing aircraft, the family moved often before settling in Pampa in 1957, where he began his career with the Pampa Fire Department. He worked as a firefighter and with Texas Furniture until his retirement. He was known for his strong work ethic, endless curiosity, and wonderful sense of humor that stayed with him throughout his life.

Leo loved the outdoors and could often be found in the backyard gardening or repairing things. He loved golfing, fishing and attempting to keep his fishing boat running. He and Jean started with a small house, but through hard work and many additions, turned it into a home large enough to raise their five children.

Leo never stopped embracing life and adventure. He was never afraid to try something new; snow skiing at 60, rolling down the sand dunes of White Sands National Park at 71, swinging from a tree rope at 80, sliding down water park rides at 82, even parasailing and snorkeling at 90 years young. His adventurous spirit and love for life inspired everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Jean in 2014; two brothers, Bill and Carl Tyrrell; a sister, Vera Phillips; a son-in-law, Craig Harvey; and a grandson, Justin Harvey.

Leo is survived by his five children, Mona Milam and husband Bob of Cisco, Texas, Gary Tyrrell and wife Sherry of Pampa, Kathy Harvey of Woodward, Oklahoma, Jo Karbo and husband Kent, and Teri Cree and husband Kevin both of Pampa. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Mandy Archibald, Tyler Milam, Kacey Hulin, Kiaran Beck, Travis Harvey, Landon Karbo, Logan Karbo, Chase Cree; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Meredith Court and Interim Hospice for their loving and compassionate care, and especially lifetime neighbors Don & Brenda Morrison, for their devoted care and assistance.

Leo’s life was a testament of courage, laughter, hard work, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.