Leonard E. Carr

Leonard Eugene Carr, 87, of Spring, Texas passed away on July 23, 2025 after a short illness. Leonard was born on November 29, 1937 to Leonard Crane Carr and Hilda Streeper Carr of Miami, Florida. Leonard who was affectionately called Gene by his family graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama.

After graduation he moved back to Florida for a very short time and then went to Houston, Texas to begin an apprenticeship at the Houston Chronicle Newspaper with his Uncle Henry Jenkins.

Leonard was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and did his best to pattern his life after his Savior, Jesus Christ by serving others and being an example of living a good life.

On a trip back to visit Mobile, Alabama, his good friend, Ronnie Hearn, set him up on a blind date with the love of his life, Linda Tillman. After a short courtship of six weeks they were married in 1965. One year later they were sealed (married for eternity) in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They proceeded to have three daughters, Andrea Lynn, who was stillborn, April Candice, and Holly Kristen. They made it to their 60th anniversary this year (2025).

When Leonard was young he joined the Civil Air Patrol in Mobile. He learned to fly planes and got his solo license at 16 years old. He and his friends had many adventures together flying around the Alabama skies. It was a great joy in his young life and something he was proud of.

Leonard also had a fascination with trains and throughout his life he collected model trains to hang on the wall of his office and workshop. His favorite was the Union Pacific Big Boy, a steam locomotive. He had several opportunities to go see it in person. During the Vietnam War, Leonard was in the Army Reserves in a railroad battalion but he was never sent overseas.

Leonard worked in the newspaper business for over 30 years at The Houston Post and also helped his wife start their own company, Carr’s Plant Service, which they operated for many years.

Leonard was a hard worker and provided a great life for his family. Family was his biggest joy. Most of his daughter’s friends called him Papa Smurf because of his white hair and beard. He was a very social person and would start up a conversation with everyone he came across. He never met a stranger.

Leonard was preceded in death by: his parents, Leonard Crane Carr, Hilda Mae Streeper Carr, His sweetheart , Linda Joyce Tillman Carr, and their daughter Andrea Lynn. He is survived by his daughters April (Eric) Ellington of Marysville, Ohio and Holly (Tim) Baldwin of Tomball, Texas as well as his brother Richard (Charme) Carr of Candler, North Carolina. He is also survived by grandsons Andrew (Jessica) Ellington, Austin Ellington, Jordan (Rachel) Ellington, Devon (Riley) Ellington and great-grandchildren Dawson, Quincy, Porter, Piper, and Callan Gene (his namesake) as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 25623 Richards Rd, Spring, TX 77386. A private graveside will have previously been held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.