Robert Wray Leech
July 14, 1924 ~ August 1, 2023
Robert Wray “Bob” Leech, 99, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Auburn Ridge Living Center surrounded by his family.
He was born July 14, 1924, in Maryville, Missouri, the son of the late Howard and Emelia (Zopf) Leech.
Bob graduated from Odessa High School in 1941, where he played in the 2nd annual MO High School Football All-Star game in Jefferson City.
Bob was united in marriage to Jeanne Bethel on June 28, 1946, in Chillicothe MO. She preceded him in death on August 15, 1995.
He attended Central Methodist College and later graduated from Michigan State University in 1951 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Bob served his country in the United States Navy during WWII as a Flight Instructor.
He practiced in private veterinary clinics in Aurora, Nebraska, Warrensburg, Missouri and Higginsville, Missouri. Bob finished out his career with the United States Department of Agriculture in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service retiring in 1987.
Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 223 in Higginsville, Missouri.
Survivors include his two daughters – Kristan Leech and Tammy (Jeff) Simmons, both of Jefferson City; four grandchildren – Lori Taber, Zac Leech, Dusty Simmons and Mason Simmons; four great-grandchildren; six great-great-grand-children; one brother, David (Susannah) Leech, of Chesterfield, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jeanne; two sons, Philip Leech and Greg Leech; and one sister, Nancy Harding.
Cremains will be buried at a later date in Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Chillicothe, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Legion or an animal shelter/rescue of your choice.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
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My condolences to the family.
I want to express my gratitude and how blessed I was to have been able to be a small part of Bob’s life in the past several years.
Bob was a man of dignity and strength. He will forever be in my heart.
Sincerely,
Tina
I was a colleague of Dr. Leech’s for several years (I was at the MO State Dept. of Agriculture). He was a man of integrity and I always admired him. Quick with a joke and a smile. RIP, Dr. Leech.
Tammy and a Jeff, please accept my condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful guy that was witty and was quick with a smile.
My thoughts are with all who are suffering with Dr Leech’s passing.
Dear Kristan and Tammy, we are writing to extend deepest sympathy from the family of John W. Morrison, Jr. of Lexington, Missouri. Your own childhood memories may include our family visiting your home in Higginsville (early-mid 60’s), as well as an overnight stop when you were living in Tennessee. Your Mom was always so welcoming, PLUS a great cook (I loved her laugh and smile); and your Dad (Doc) was, of course, a pro at the grill! Your family was a true joy to be around. We are grateful for the blessing of our Dads’ very special friendship over many, many years. We wish to honor their memory with our thoughts, and to send prayers of comfort to you and your family.