John Edward Leach

John Edward Leach, born August 26, 1938, passed away after a long illness on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Englewood, Florida.  He is survived by his loving wife, Janice and children: Andy Leach, Jonda (Eric) Brown, Melinda (Eric) Cunningham, Renae (Bob) Zabloudil and Cory (Alyssa) Bexfield, as well as his brother and best friend, Rodger (Jean) Leach.  Grandchildren mourning the loss of their beloved grandpa include Ryan (Kayla) Leach, Marcus Leach, Alex (Bryan) Brown, Grant (Jenni) Brown, Chase (Caitlin) Cunningham, Brynn Cunningham, Ryleigh Bexfield, Tessa Bexfield, Callhan Bexfield, Andon Bexfield, Lexi Zabloudil, Natalie Zabloudil, Vinny Zabloudil; great grandchildren: Hanna, Michael, Caleb, and Samuel Leach, and Georgia Jean Brown. John is also mourned by nieces, nephews and extended family and friends in both Ohio and Florida along with his sweet beagle mix, Bree.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph "Bud" and Mildred Leach; Sister Patricia (Leach) Turnbull.

John was a friend to everyone he met, which included coworkers within the Ohio Department of Corrections; the Village of Mount Sterling, Ohio; and Metal Graphics.  He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Sterling, Ohio and at the Englewood Methodist in Englewood, FL.  John was a dedicated member of the Aladdin Shrine, Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Scottish Rite, and the American Legion.  John graduated from Mount Sterling High School and served honorably in the United States Air Force.  If you spent any time in Mount Sterling, you probably ran into John at Veteran's Field Fish Stand, at choir practice at the Methodist Church, or waving from his vintage John Deer tractor during Village Parades.  If he wasn't in Mount Sterling, he was likely supporting one of his grandkid's events or activities.  He absolutely loved them all and was their biggest fan, no matter if it was a ballet recital or championship game-- he showed up every time.

  A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for John on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2PM, at the First United Methodist Church, 110 S. London St., Mount Sterling, Ohio.  The service will be followed by a light lunch.  A private graveside service will follow for the family at a later time.  The family is being served by the Porter-Tidd Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to the First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.