Edward Henry Leach passed away on June 23, 2019 at the age of 95 in San Antonio, Tx. He was born, the youngest and only boy of 5 children, on January 31, 1924 in Cushing, Oklahoma to William and Ethel Theresa (Brumley) Leach .
As told in his own words: " I was one of the lucky people that was born into a family of good, practicing Christians, who taught me to love, respect and worship God. My sisters and I heard the Bible read at home daily, and prayer was as common as breathing. If the doors of the church opened, we were there. My sisters all sang at church, but since I could not carry a tune, they would instead have me memorize and recite scripture. My father, who I thought was the best Christian man I ever knew, died when I was seventeen, and the following spring, after graduating from Cushing High School (in 1942), I went into the Service."
Ed served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force, stationed in England and Belgium until the end of WWII. After discharge from the Army, he worked as a civilian until 1947, when he joined the U.S. Air Force. He served in the Air Force for 21 years, during which time he was involved in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a Journeyman Plumber with the Civil Service at Ft. Sam Houston and Camp Bullis in San Antonio, Texas, retiring again in 1983.
While stationed in England during WWII, Ed met and married Joan Dulhanty. They had three children, Theresa Ann, who was stillborn, William Wesley, and Michael Edward Leach. The marriage ended in divorce in 1955. In 1964, he married Opal L. Wells, who was widowed with three children: Priscilla Jolene, Edgar Curtis "Pete", and Steven Curtis Wells.
Edward is preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Opal Leach, children: Theresa Leach and Michael Leach, and his sisters Helen, Ruby, Ruth and Mary. He is survived by daughter, Jolene Isaacs (husband, Charles) of Republic, Missouri, son "Pete" Wells (wife, Margaret) of San Antonio, Tx., son, William Leach (wife, Loretta) of Abilene, Tx., and son, Steve Wells (wife, Betsy) of San Angelo, Tx., 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous other family and beloved friends.
Ed was a long-time member of the Nazarene church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and board member. During his retirement he wrote a study guide entitled “BIBLE 101” in an effort to excite and encourage people to read “the best book ever written”. With that in mind, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests the option of donations to be made in memory of Ed Leach to New Vision Community Church, 14515 O'Connor Rd., San Antonio, Tx. 78247, where he was last a member.
A visitation will begin on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 from 6p-9p at Sunset Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 5, 2019 at 9am at New Vision Community Church, 14515 O'Connor Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247 with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
