Richard Larry Leech

Richard was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on December 16, 1940, to Jefferson Waldo and Rosamond Leech.

Richard served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, doing long range reconnaissance missions as an Albanian Linguist. He also was a counselor at the Defense Language Institute of Monterey, California; an instructor at San Angelo, Texas; and a computer programmer at Scott Air Force Base, Mascoutah, Illinois. He served in Germany, Italy, California, Nebraska, and Texas.

Richard played baseball, football, and basketball while in the USAF. He was lucky enough to be asked to play for a minor league Italian baseball team from Milan, Italy.

After retiring from the USAF, Richard did what he loved. He worked with his hobby of collecting baseball cards and sports memorabilia. He also liked to bass fish.

Richard was known for his passion for collecting baseball cards. He shared his knowledge with anyone who was interested.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents: Jefferson Waldo and Rosamond Leech.

Richard is survived by his wife: Ruth Leech of Fairview Heights, Illinois; daughter: Cinda Leech of Belleville, Illinois; and granddaughter: Clarisse Leech of Saint Louis, Missouri.