Anthony Leo Solomon, Sr.

Celebrating a Life of Impact and Love

           Our Beloved  Anthony LEO Solomon, Sr.

Sunrise: March 08, 1941    Sunset: August 21, 2022

  A Great Soul serves everyone all the time. A Great Soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. –Maya Angelou

Anthony LEO Solomon was born March 08, 1941 in Dover, Oklahoma to Esther Winn and John Solomon.  Leo attended the Dover area schools. He loved sports and was a standout in baseball and basketball. Leo played on the varsity teams his entire High School career. He was deservingly chosen as Dover’s Basketball King his senior year. Leo was a member of the Yearbook staff; as well as Future Farmers of America (FFA), an extracurricular student  organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. He was a good student; especially in mathematics. 

Leo was offered two athletic scholarships upon graduating in 1960; however, reflective of his inherent maturity and sense of responsibility, he decided to go straight to work. He was anxious to support himself and to assist his grandmother, Alice Johnson, who he adored. She was his heart and his primary influence during his critical formative years. He returned home, to Dover, often after securing employment at Hackney Iron & Steel in Enid, OK, where he was employed from 1960-1967.

 Leo was also a member of the Army Reserves; serving from 1961-1964.  During this time, he met and fell in love with his soulmate,  Palmor Jean Mitchell. 

They married on February 1, 1963 and raised three children: Vonzell, Danyelle and Anthony. The Solomon Family attended Antioch Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Leo’s Father-in-Law, Reverend Hulon Mitchell, Sr.  Leo served the church well. He was a Deacon and a respected member; not only of the church but in the Enid community. 

Leo enjoyed working on cars with his friend, Bobbie Best. They also cut a few yards in the summer to make extra vacation funds. He valued family time and enjoyed taking his family on special vacations each summer. Road trips, with a loaded cooler of goodies, were common and memorable.

Leo put his leadership skills to work when he became one of Enid’s first Black police officers. He served the city from 1967-1973. At his brother Sonny’s urging, Leo made the leap to secure the coveted position of Railroad Engineer with Frisco Railroad. His devoted wife, Jean, was happy to help him study for this role.  Leo became one of only a few Black engineers at Frisco during his tenure (1973-1981). He was a dedicated employee and very proud to be able to move his family into a brand new home in a newly developed neighborhood. Leo was one of the most loving family men you could ever have the privilege to know. His warm demeanor, sincere heart, and gentle nature is an endless “badge of honor”.  Leo is respected for being the epitome of what a Husband and Father should be. 

Leo moved his family to Miami, Florida in 1981. He and Jean relocated to Hutchinson, KS in 1986  before moving back to Oklahoma where Leo helped launch two businesses; putting his entrepreneurial abilities to the vision. He, along with his wife and son, Anthony, formed A.L.S. ( Initials for Anthony Leo Solomon to honor both Father & Son) Properties, Inc. of which Leo was the President/CEO. They owned and operated rental properties in Oklahoma and Kansas for many years.  In addition, Leo and Anthony, along with a friend, Brian Mack, co-founded OK Transit, Inc. This business provided transportation for those needing rides to medical appointments. Leo worked diligently and helped maintain the Transit fleet until retiring in 2008. 

Leo became a member and Deacon of First Missionary Baptist Church under Reverend Alfred Baldwin before moving to Oklahoma City and joining The Refreshing; where he fellowshipped, under the leadership of Pastor Michael Johnson, Sr. until his transition. Leo’s peaceful sunset was August 21, 2022 at his home.  He quietly departed this earth, after hugging his son, and simultaneously arriving at his appointed destination with Our Heavenly Father.  Rest well Beloved…….well done…….well done.

Leo was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean; his Mother, Esther (Johnson) Winn and Father, John Solomon;  three brothers: Sonny Johnson, Leroy Solomon, Calvin Solomon and a granddaughter, Marnina Israel Lee. He is survived by his Son, Anthony Leo Solomon, Jr. and Daughters: Vonzell Solomon Lee (Lawrence) and Danyelle Latrice Yoakum (Kurtis); as well seven sisters: Adlene Fuston of Dover, OK; Dr. Pauline Harris of Tulsa, OK; Shirley Roberson of Kansas City, KS; Carol Sue Williams (Rudolph) of Kingfisher, OK; Gwen Caldwell (Irving) of Enid, OK; Sandy Shoals (David Osborne)of Enid, OK; and Evelyn Solomon Epps of Oklahoma City, OK; and one brother; O.B. Winn (Veda) of Midland, TX. Also mourning his passing are his Sisters-in-Law: Ramona Nazario of Enid, OK; Thelma Mitchell of OKC, OK; Barbara Finley of Enid, OK; Leona Mitchell Bush of Enid, OK; Uvonne Mitchell of Tulsa, OK and Bertha Mitchell of OKC, OK. and Brothers-in-Law: James  Mitchell (Rubenia) of Wichita, KS; Oliver Mitchell (Audrey) of Wichita, KS; Milton Mitchell (JaAnn)of Enid, OK and Clifford Mitchell of Port Charles, FL. Leo also leaves his indelible mark on his  beautiful 18  grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very dear friends.

His love and influence covered his family and close friends throughout his life. His strength and impactful journey through life  are his lasting legacy.  I Corinthians 13:4-8 are appropriate words Leo embraced and will always be remembered for: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,  it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

                                 IN APPRECIATION

The Family wishes to thank each of you for your support, love and every act of kindness during our time of bereavement. Much gratitude to  Accentra Hospice and Cottage Park as well. A very Special THANK YOU to Anthony, Jr. for your loving care. We love you deeply. May all of you be richly blessed.       

Services to be held at The Chapel at Oklahoma City Cremation, Friday September 2, with viewing at 1:00PM and funeral gathering to follow at 2:00PM            

Repast to follow service: COTTAGE PARK CLUBHOUSE 1401 Stonecrop Dr. Midwest City, OK  73110