William R. Leach

Bill was born July 4, 1950, in Springfield, IL, the son of Edward “Ted” and Louise (Ruffner) Leach, who preceded him in death. He married Jo Carol Hipp on May 21, 1987, in Springfield, IL; she preceded him in death on December 19, 2021.

Bill graduated from Ridgewood High School in New Jersey and was employed with Dickey-John Corporation. He later worked with Bunn-O-Matic until his retirement. Bill attended Chatham Baptist Church and volunteered with the Chatham Jaycees. He enjoyed restoring jukeboxes, music, electronics, and working outdoors in his yard. Often you could find him relaxing in the screened-in porch, watching the St. Louis Cardinal games or spending quality time with his friends on a Wednesday night. Bill also enjoyed traveling to see family and attend events and activities for his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Justin (Jamie) Leach of Hermitage, TN and William “Bill” (Julie) Kendrick of Indianapolis, IN; daughter, Angela (Reid) McDowell of Godfrey; nine grandchildren, Matthew and Claire McDowell, Val Kendrick, Claire and Isabel Standley, Riley and William Leach, and Amelia and Violet Kendrick; siblings, Ted (Beverly) Leach of Peterborough, NH, Dave (Janet) Leach of Chatham, and Rosemary (Bob) Leistner of Springfield; stepsister, Sally Salvadore of Washington, DC; sisters-in-law, Sandra (Hank) Garant, Anita (Tom) Baskin, and Susan (Gary) Clower; brother-in-law, Steve Hipp; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Milton Bost, officiating. For those who wish to watch the Memorial Ceremony, you may do so by visiting https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4073208095 after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chatham Jaycees, 9505 S. Main Street, Chatham, IL 62629.