Roger Clinton Leach

Roger Clinton Leach, 87, of Decatur, passed away, Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 18 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51 Decatur, with Rev. Mike Heflin officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Decatur VFW Celery City Post #6248 & United States Army-Fort Custer, Michigan. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Roger’s name may be made to The Fisher House Foundation, Rockville, MD. Those wishing to sign Roger’s Memory Book online may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Roger was born November 28, 1931 in Dowagiac to Joshua Clinton & Arie Christina (Pecher) Leach. He graduated from Decatur High School Class of 1949. Roger gained employment with Bendix Corporation in South Bend, taking a leave for two years to serve his country in the US Army. He returned to work the rest of his career, retiring after more than forty years of employment. On January 5, 1962, he married the former Lois Harbert in Hartford, Michigan. He devoted his life to his wife and his family. He cherished the time spent with them and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Roger was a kind-hearted, hardworking man. He was a jack of all trades and was always willing to help those in need. In his free time Roger enjoyed rooting for the University of Michigan, the Detroit Tigers & Lions, playing ping-pong, and throwing horse shoes. He participated in many tournaments and usually came out on top. Roger is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years Lois; his children John Leach of Decatur, Larry (Robin) Leach of Schoolcraft, Tina (Kevin) Rimes of Decatur, April (Kenneth) Lebeda of Cassopolis, twins Brenda & Angela Leach, both of Decatur; seven grandchildren Brandie (Dan) West, Heath (Cassandra) Leach, Amber (Ryan) Ziegler, Siahra Tangeman, Donald Fester, Danielle (Darr) Phillips, Jadin Leach-Wolfe; twelve great-grandchildren Brad, Morgan, twins Alex & Aaron, Christopher, Ava, Xander, Addison, Sadie, Lucas, Emery & Cameron; one sister Martha Hamilton: and numerous nieces & nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, and six sisters-Neva Brown, Wanda Downey, Doris Howe, Lillian Leach, Millie Bailey & Beryl White.