John Leach

George John Leach, Jr., 76, of Lee’s Summit, was born August 15, 1948, the son of George J. Sr. and Dorothy M. (Moore) Leach. He departed this life Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home in Lee’s Summit surrounded by love and family.

John was a 1966 Kansas City Westport High School graduate and a United States Army Vietnam War veteran.

In 1965, he met Emma Jo Wilson while working his paper route, and on March 1, 1969, they were united in marriage in Lawton, Oklahoma. To this union four children, Randy, John, Christine, and Patrick were born.

John was first employed as a printer for the Kansas City Star, later for AAA Nameplate and Armco Steel. He then began his 33-year career at UPS as a delivery driver. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching the Chiefs, Royals, Missouri basketball, bowling, and golf. He was recently introduced to and took a liking to hockey. He enjoyed listening to country and oldies (50’s & 60’s) music and watching old westerns. Above all he most enjoyed time spent with family.

John was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; his parents; one son Patrick Leach; and one niece Elizabeth Marie Cates; in-laws, Royce, Sr. and Leota (Scott) Wilson, Roy Wilson, and Royce Wilson, Jr.

He is survived by his wife Emma Jo of Lee’s Summit; three children, Randy (and Katricia) Leach of Kearney, John Leach (and Jennifer) of Olathe, and Christine Leach of Lee’s Summit; daughter-in-law, Angela Leach of Pleasant Hill; six grandchildren, Dylan (and Elly Haldiman) Leach, Lucas (and Katie) Leach, Nick Blackwell, Cody Leach, Dalton Leach, and Reilly Leach; two great grandchildren, Oliver and Watson; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, who all knew him as Papa John.

Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, at the funeral home, where everyone is invited to wear their favorite sports team jersey or attire.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the funeral home. Pastor Janice Hill will officiate. Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Army and the V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard. Casket bearers are Dylan Leach, Lucas Leach, Nick Blackwell, Cody Leach, Dalton Leach, and Reilly Leach. Honorary casket bearers are James Michael Cates, Joshua Paul Cates, Joshua Michael Cates, Adrian White, and J.P. Cates.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Leukemia Foundation or the Neurofibromatosis (NF) Foundation and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550