E.L. Leathers Jr., 88, of Hawley, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Kent County Nursing Home. E.L. was born and raised in Littlefield, Texas and attended Amherst ISD. In 1957, E.L. married the love of his life, Nancy June White, in Littlefield, Texas and started his very own family. He was highly devoted to Nancy and excited for their future. E.L. drove a truck for Merchant Freight Lines which led him to Abilene, Texas in 1962. After moving his family to Lake Fort Phantom he began driving a truck for Pride Refinery and later took a job for the City of Abilene driving their commercial trash truck. He bought his property in Hawley in 1982 where he began to build his legacy we know today. E.L. retired from the city after 20 plus years of employment but chose to continue working by driving tractors for farmers part time, scrapping and horse trading of all sorts. E.L. had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He loved horses, raising his cattle, fishing and was an avid deer and elk hunter. He looked forward to annual Colorado Elk hunting trips and hunting whitetail deer with his family each season. E.L. "aka" Papa was also a very proud grandfather and loved nothing more than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. He is survived by his daughter Sharon Smith and her husband T.W. of Diana, Texas; daughter in law Kathy Leathers of Hawley, grandchildren: Justin, Joshua, Brandi, Kristi, Staci, Bo, Kevin, Thomas, James, all their spouses; 25 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. E.L. was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Leathers; sons, Eugene Leathers and Joe Bob Leathers; and siblings Doris Lamar, Rita Long, and Iva Zoe Baker. A graveside service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at Hawley Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at North's Funeral Home. E.L. will be remembered for his hard work, his love for his family and his involvement amongst the Hawley community.