Claude D. Leach

LEACH, Claude D., age 76 of Miamisburg began his eternal life, Monday, May 27, 2013 at Kettering Medical Center, surround by the love of his family and friends. Claude was born September 9, 1936 in Birdeye, KY to the late James Ottice and Bessie (Vanderpool) Leach, Sr. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, James (Anne) Leach, Jr.; sister-in-law, Nadine Leach and brothers-in-law Roy Melton and Bill Gibson. Claude is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Joann (Deaton) Leach; his cherished son, Mark Leach of Miamisburg; brothers, Lonas Leach of Alamogordo, NM and Maurice (Wanda) Leach of Williamsburg, KY; sisters; Jewel Melton of West Carrollton, Sandy (Teddy) Petrey of Clermont, FL and Irma Gibson of Medway, OH; special neighbors, Jeff and Suzie Powell and Pat Cole; numerous extended family, including the families of Rick and Darrell Melton as well as his MCC and Walgreen’s families especially, Steve Smith. Claude was a 1957 graduate of Pleasant View High School in Williamsburg, KY. He began his first career, a labor of love, in 1956 at Woody’s Market where he advanced to produce manager and later retired in 1999 with fond memories and everlasting friendships. Woody’s is where Claude met his lovely Joann, and later worked aside his son Mark. Following a short retirement, Claude was ready for a second career at Walgreen’s in 2003, where he worked “until the day he died” as he promised. Claude’s relationship with God was his greatest blessing in life. He credits his earthly angel, Joann for bringing him to Christ and was baptized in 1972. Claude read the Bible an hour every morning. He joined Miamisburg Christian Church in 2006 and quickly was invited into an Eldership always serving on the front lines as a greeter where everyone expected a hug from “Pop”. Family will receive friends from 3:00-7:00PM Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Miamisburg Christian Church. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 PM also at the church and officiated by Pastors Mike Tuttle and Rich McKinley. Claude’s earthly body will be laid to rest at Hillgrove Cemetery, Miamisburg at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miamisburg Christian Church Building Fund at 1146 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg, OH 45342. Personal condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting Claude’s memorial at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com.