William Robert Leigh

March 11, 1943 – October 11, 2025

William Robert Leigh, 82, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on October 11, 2025, at Kansas City Hospice House, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Chicago to Arline M. and Harold William Leigh in 1943. Rob later made Kansas City his home, where he graduated from Westport High School, class of 1961. He attended the University of Missouri - Columbia, and received his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1964. He began his professional life as an agent with Brain and Fritson Insurance, and later at Marsh and McLennan Inc., and at Providers Insurance Consultants, Inc. (ProCon). In 1987 he was elected president of the Kansas City Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters. His career in the insurance industry spanned four decades and he was recognized for his professionalism, dedication, and integrity. He served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Western Missouri & Kansas (1975-1981) and the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre (MET). In 1993 he and his wife Paula became co-owners of Delaware Interiors in Prairie Village.

Rob was a devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife Paula Leigh, his children Robert Leigh (Modena, Italy) and Amy Leigh Williams (Jeff) (Portland, Oregon), his cherished grandchildren Henry Leigh, Hannah Leigh, and Milo Hagardorn, his brothers-in-law Paul F. Leathers, Jr. (Leslie, Tucson, AZ), James W. Leathers, (Tammy, Overland Park, KS), Kristen Leathers-Gratton (Michael Gratton,Olathe, KS), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Arline M. Tipton, his stepfather George Tipton, his father Harold William Leigh, and his brother-in-law Hunter Leathers.

Rob read voraciously, was passionate about literature, history, art, and music, especially jazz, and he shared his knowledge and passions generously with family and friends alike. He loved to travel, was an excellent cook, and enjoyed being in nature.

Heartfelt thanks to St. Luke’s Home Health, Advanced Hospice, MetroCare Staffing, and Kansas City Hospice House.

A memorial service celebrating Rob’s life will be held at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas on Saturday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center in Leawood, Kansas, The Kansas City Hospice House, or to The Village Presbyterian Church.