Charles E Leach

PEORIA ~ Charles Edward Leach, 81, of 3908 Marybelle Avenue, #503, passed away at 8:03 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at his home.Born December 11, 1924 in Hulbert, Oklahoma to Lewis and Artie (Crawford) Leach, he married Juanita Hester Potter on May 4, 1947 in Yuma, Arizona.

Surviving are six daughters, Maxine Williams of The Villages, Florida, Kathy (Nick) D'Alfonso and Vicky (Carlos) Trevino, both of Peoria, Sherry Jenkins of San Antonio, Texas, and Peggy Giacobazzi and Penny (R.J.) Oliver, both of Baltimore, Maryland; three sons, Charles D. (Tina) Leach of Peoria, Rick (Lali) Leach of Fort Madison, Iowa, and Randy (Nancy) Leach of Peru; one step-daughter, Martha (Bob) Taylor of Leesburg, Florida; twenty-seven grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Johnny Leach of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Bobby (Johna) Leach of Hinesville, Georgia, and Leon (Kathy) Leach of Boise, Idaho; and one sister, Bonnie Renfro of Hinesville, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one brother.

A United States Army veteran of World War II, he served from December 1, 1942 to December 27, 1945.

Charles worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 1981 as an inspector in East Peoria. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Local #974 in East Peoria.

He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #265 in Peoria, American Legion Post #979 in Bartonville, and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3883 in Bartonville.

Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Military graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2006at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2006at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.