Donald E. Leach

Donald E. Leach, 71, of Arkansas City, died Saturday (July 19, 2014) at his residence. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (July 23, 2014) at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. The family will greet friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Don was born November 15, 1942, in Arkansas City, to Elmer and Thena (Baker) Leach. He was reared and educated in Arkansas City, graduating from Arkansas City High School in 1960. After graduation Don joined the United States Navy. Don served in the Navy for 26 years retiring in 1986 as a Chief Petty Officer - Radio Operator/Instructor. Don married Diana (Tannehill) Hayes on June 7, 1991, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The couple made their home in Arkansas City. Don and Diana owned and operated Circle L Trucking. Survivors include his wife Diana of the home; a son Kevin Leach of Ponca City; a daughter Shelly Creeden and husband Kyle of Kansas City ; son Russell Hayes and wife Amanda of Belton, Missouri; daughter Amy Flower and husband Keith of Arkansas City; a sister Patricia Rogers of Arkansas City; sister-in-law Imogene Leach of Arkansas City; nine grandchildren Devin and Christian Leach, Mason and Kinnley Flower, Kieran and Aedan Creeden, Olivia Smith, Braedon Hayes and Jaxson Hayes. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Kelly Leach; brothers Billy and Gene Leach, sisters Norma Walker and Betty Ann Leach. Memorials have been established with St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Gentiva Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home. Arrangements are being made through the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Online condolences may be made at www.rindt-erdman.com