Carl Lee Leach

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marie Leach, and his children – Melissa Robertson and husband Keith, Brad Leach and wife Tracee, Melanie Leach and Michelle Leach. His grandchildren are Anthony Robertson and wife Addison, Lauren Pritchett and husband Daniel, Erin Robertson and Sydney Leach. Also living are his sister Lavonne McLaughlin and brother Terry Leach. He has many nephews, nieces and cousins, as well. His older sister Loretta Newsom and older step-brother George Francis Leach, Jr. preceded him in death.

Carl graduated from El Dorado High School in 1950 and finished his first two years of college at El Dorado Jr College, prior to enlisting in the Army from 1952 – 1954. He graduated from the University of Wichita (now known as Wichita State University) in 1956 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology. He married in 1958, and while working and raising a family, completed his Master’s Degree in Geology. He worked for several smaller oil companies, including Sun Oil, Sun Ray DX, Esso, and Humble. He eventually worked for several years and retired from the Exxon Company.

Carl was involved in his churches as a teacher, advisor and deacon. He was a member of Toast Masters. As a young father, he actively participated in speaking at schools regarding the dangers of drugs. There wasn’t a time he didn’t have a story about rocks, or how they were formed, or where he found this fossil or that one. He loved the outdoors and nature, often telling of fishing or hiking trips he took in the past.

His hobbies included growing bonsai trees, reading, photography and travel. Highlights of his travel included family vacations, trips to Israel, Panama, Alaska and RV-ing across the country.

He will be remembered for his love of God, his family, his genuine compassion for others, fishing, baseball, football, popcorn, ice cream, malts and chocolate pie.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Boulevard, Katy, Texas 77494.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following:

Breckenridge Village of Tyler, TX, Scholarship Fund, 15062 CR 1145, Tyler, TX 75704 - ph: 903-596-8100

BVT @BreckenridgeVillage.net;

Redeemer Community Church, 24201 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, TX 77494 - ph: 281-371-2156

Alzheimer Association, http://act.alz.org/goto/Mel

Please note as a memo – In Memory of Carl Leach.

Arrangements under the direction of Katy Funeral Home, Katy, TX.