Galen Burdell Leach

Galen Burdell Leach slipped peacefully from this earth into Jesus’ arms early   January 14, 2015.  He was a bright light to all who knew him. He was godly, humble, loving and hard working. He was a World War II Navy vet who saw 10 major battles and many minor battles, although he never talked about the war much. It was a very painful time in his life that he just didn’t want to remember. He was a wonderful husband father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We celebrate his Homecoming but will miss him dearly.
He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Missie Leach; a 3 brothers, Alva Leach, Tom Leach, Terry Leach, and one sister, Tonya Svenson, his daughters and sons-in-law: Gail and Roger Collins, Allison and Phil Vandagriff; Judy and Ken Kimmes.. He also will be missed by his grandchildren: Darrel and Melanie Collins, Denise and Randy Anderson, Todd and Shelley Collins, Joy and Wagner Williams, Jon and Deana Vandagriff, Sara and Travis Welch, John and Ashley Evans, Kenneth Kimmes, and Kevin and Nicole Kimmes. He also leaves behind  20 great-grandchildren, and many dear nephews and nieces, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved Mother, Carrie Leach, when he was only 18. He was also preceded by his grandson Erin Riley Collins, son-in-law Darrel Sturdevant, his father Alva G. Leach, brothers Gordon and Glen Leach, his sisters Bonnie Hatlie, and Joyce Lawrence.
Born in 1924 in Billings MT, he went on to live most of his youth in Menomonie WI, which he considered “home” until his death. He also spent over 25 years building is own successful Floor Laying and Insulations business, until partly retiring to Brownsville Texas for 16 years, and then moving back to his beloved Hastings by his daughter Gail Collins and her family. In 2006 he moved to his last early home in Weatherford with his daughter Allison Vandagriff and family. in all of these moves, his beloved Pepino and then Pepper moved right along with him. At the age of 82 he even had the thrill of hunting one more time and bringing home venison, his all time favorite meal.
In his early years, Galen worked hard to purchase his first car, a Ford. After graduating from High School in 1943, he was immediately drafted into the Navy where he served in 10 major battles and many minor battles. Before going into the Navy, He met his wife, Missy, when she was only 14. He challenged her to an active game of ping pong. Later, she “drew his name” and they became pen pals, and the rest is the history of their 69 1/2 years together.
After serving in the Navy, he became a “Jack of All Trades”, until he finally had the opportunity to learn the flooring business at the mentorship of his good friend Les Peterson. That then led to Galen opening his own flooring business, then expanding it to insulation. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of floor service and insulation to his grandsons Darrel and Todd Collins and even had the thrill of his daughter Gail Collins insulating with him. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. During their time in Hastings, Galen and Missie and their family came to know the Lord Jesus Christ and they served Him faithfully and ministering to MANY sharing their love of the Lord. He and Missie had the opportunity to “retire” early and spent some wonderful years in Brownsville building a whole new set of close friends. Galen became a Square Dance Caller and until his passing could still remember a few of the calls. and loved grinning and sharing that talent to many who came to visit.
Galen Leach had a passion for fishing and hunting which he taught to his children and grandchildren, and that legacy is being passed on to his greatgrandchilren.

 

A Military Memorial service was held Saturday, January 17, 2015 at North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford, TX.
If anyone feels led to do so, please feel free to donate in his honor to one of the following:
Luke’s Wings or Alzheimers Association