Robert Lee Leach, 86, of Pomona, Kansas, passed away on November 20th, 2024 peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the proudest husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His unwavering faith and dedication to his family and friends were the cornerstones of his life. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, warm smile, generous heart and passion for the great outdoors.
Bob was born on February 18, 1938 in Baldwin, KS to Russel C. Leach and Minnie R. (Lee) Leach. He grew up outside of Wellsville, KS and graduated from Wellsville High School with the class of 1956.
Bob met Dee Ellen Farrell in 1957 and they later married on May 18, 1958. They had a love that inspired others; they shared 66 years of an incredible marriage before Dee Ellen’s passing in July, 2024. Their marriage was the heart of the family, offering a steady anchor of love, guidance, and encouragement to their children and grandchildren. With that marriage, together they built a loving family welcoming their 4 children, Rob, Rick, Rhonda and Randy.
Bob proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps Reserve for 8 years. While he was enlisted with Marine Corps he was also employed with the Santa Fe Railroad where he was a signal maintainer and proudly retired in 2000 after 43 years of employment.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bob is survived by his four children Robert K. Leach, Rantoul, KS Rick Leach, Ottawa, KS, Rhonda Brown (Dave), Ottawa, KS, Randy Leach (Vickie), Pomona, KS 14 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Bob made it home into the arms of Jesus, the love of his life Dee Ellen whom he shared a home with for 66 years and his Grandson Jaron Leach (Bear). And the picture of that reunion warms our hearts.
Bob dedicated his life to his family, his career and his love of fishing for crappie with his best pal Carl, he was an avid hunter, and later in life he enjoyed helping the younger generation of deer hunters in the family “catch the big one”. He was happiest with a fishing rod in one hand or a hunting rifle in the other, enjoying quiet mornings on the water or crisp fall days in the woods. His stories of “the one that got away” or the perfect hunting trip will forever live in the memories of the ones he shared them with. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran he carried his sense of duty in everything he did, inspiring many through his humility and generosity.
Though the lakes may seem quiet and the woods less lively without him, Bob will live on through the laughter of his family, the sunsets on the water and the rustling leaves on a hunting trail. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Graveside memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, KS. Memorial contributions may be made Franklin County Cancer Foundation and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.
