Leslie Bart Brashears of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in his home on November 7, 2025. The wake service will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater. Funeral mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Saint Francis. He lived a full life marked by faith, kindness, and service to others. He was a husband, father, grandfather, deacon, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter to every room he entered. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Bart was born April 2, 1954 to parents Roland and Ramona Brashears in Alex, Oklahoma, joining his brothers Kendall and Michael. He grew up in the Missionary Baptist Church where he first learned to serve others. As a youth, he excelled in 4-H and FFA, serving as Oklahoma FFA State Secretary and President, and later as National FFA Southern Region Vice President in 1974-1975. He earned the American Farmer Degree and was awarded the degree of Honorary State Farmer of Oklahoma FFA. His early leadership revealed a natural ability to connect with people and inspire them.

At Oklahoma State University, Bart joined FarmHouse Fraternity in 1972 and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics, graduating in 1977 as a Top Ten Senior. While at OSU the love of his life Connie Kastl agreed to date him. Through her example and the guidance of Father Bob Schlitt at St. John the Evangelist Church, Bart entered the Catholic Church at Easter 1975. He and Connie married that fall, beginning a 50 year partnership that shaped every part of his life.

Bart's professional life reflected his integrity and drive. Based in Weatherford for two decades with Purina Mills as an Agricultural Specialist, he worked closely with feed stores and producers throughout western Oklahoma. His excellence earned him national recognition, including eight appointments to the Purina General Sales Advisory Board and the Vice President's Cup for sales excellence in 1997. In 1999 Bart moved into the banking industry, serving as branch president at BancFirst in Blackwell, Bank 7 in Medford, Farmers Exchange Bank in Tonkawa, and Bank of the West in Cushing. He guided his teams with fairness, steadiness, and care, earning respect across the communities he served.

After several years of training and study, Bart was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in 2002. His ministry reflected his deep compassion and strong faith. Bart served parishes in Blackwell, Tonkawa, and Stillwater, visiting the sick, counseling families through hardship, and assisting priests at Mass. He spent more than 20 years ministering to countless parishioners through baptisms, marriages, burials, and sponsoring many on their path to joining the Catholic Church. He was also active with Cursillo retreats for 30 years, which renewed and strengthened his spiritual life. His dedication to prayer and fellowship helped others grow in their own faith.

When Bart and Connie returned to Stillwater in 2015, they built their dream home and opened Hidden Meadows Bed and Breakfast on the Kastl family farm. They created a place that radiates peace and hospitality where guests become friends. Bart loved welcoming visitors with a quick wit, a great story, and freshly "squeezed" orange juice. His humor was gentle, and his joy in storytelling made him unforgettable.

Bart also gave his time to community and charity. He supported the interests of rural Oklahomans by serving on the Oklahoma Farmers Union Board of Directors 1989-1991. As a 4-H volunteer, he helped teach a new generation the skills and importance of being active citizens. His civic engagement continued with the Blackwell and Tonkawa Chambers of Commerce and Lions Club of Tonkawa. Bart served on the board of Birthright of Stillwater and as the executive director for a local charitable foundation. His life was filled with acts of quiet service that never sought attention but changed lives all the same.

Bart and Connie raised three children-Angela, Christopher, and Amanda-each a reflection of their parents' faith and love. Angela Studnek and her husband Jon live in Raleigh, NC with their daughters Abby, Emma, and Julia. Amanda Jones and her husband Kyle live in Norman with their children Annamarie, Christopher, and Sarah. His son, Most Reverend Christopher Brashears, is a priest for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Shawnee. Bart was proud beyond words of his family. His eyes always lit up when he spoke of his grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his steady faith, his humor, and his gift for making everyone feel known and valued. Those who knew him will remember his laughter, his storytelling, and his unshakable calm. Bart is survived by his beloved wife Connie, his three children, eight grandchildren, two brothers, and nine nieces and nephews. His life remains a testament to faith, love, and joyful service. His family takes comfort in knowing that his story continues in all the lives he touched and all the hearts he warmed.

The family would like to express appreciation to the friends and family who have visited Bart in the last few months. In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider a donation in honor of Bart Brashears to the Oklahoma FFA Foundation www.okffa.org/support , FarmHouse at Oklahoma State, or the Serra Club in support of Catholic Vocations www.serraokc.org .