RICHARD MURRELL LEACH, 72, of Willard, MO, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.
He was born September 22, 1942 in Carlinville, IL, the son of Clyde Lanckton and "Bee" Clara Victoria (Murrell) Leach of Girard, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Girard, IL and graduated from Girard High School, Class of 1960. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served his country from 1960-1964. During basic training he was accidentally shot in the back with a blank. He recovered and worked as an aircraft technician. Though unaware of the situation at the time, he was posted on high alert on an airfield in Key West, FL during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He worked for Mosler Safe Company in St.Louis, MO before moving to Springfield, MO and becoming a partner in Springfield Safe Company for many years. He also started a business called Brampton Enterprises that manufactured and sold drive-thru windows for fast-food restaurants. He then worked for Tuthill Corporation in Springfield, MO before retiring due to health reasons.
Richard married Judy Stewart, August 1964, at Cherry Point, NC. To this union a son, Andrew Richard Leach, was born. He preceded Richard in death, as did Judy. He was then married to Betty Stewart until 1999 and to this union 2 children were born.
He is survived by these 2 children. Tracey Dyan (Leach) Cooley (husband Nathan Andrew) of Jackson, MO and James Andrew Leach (wife Abby Jenice) of Willard, MO. His 5 grandchildren are Dylan James Leach, Gabriel Joseph Leach, and Hailey Renee Fitzanko, all of Willard MO, and Erica Leigh Cooley and Megan Elizabeth Cooley of Jackson, MO. Three sisters also survive him, Nancy Kessinger of Wheatland, MO; "Pat" Patricia White of Peoria, IL and Anita Jane Wenneborg of Scottsdale, AZ. He also had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, as well as friends and neighbors.
Richard was a member of the Willard United Methodist Church, Willard MO.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans organization in Richard's honor at www.dav. org . There is a memorial website through Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, MO at www.hhlohmeyer .com
At his request, after cremation, there will be only a graveside service with military honors at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Virden, IL on Monday Oct 27 at 10am. Rick McElfresh will be officiating.