Douglas "Joe" Leech Sr.

Douglas "Joe" Leech, Sr., age 93, of Smithfield, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 12, passing away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side.

Joe was born September 5, 1932, in Smithfield, PA, son of William S. Leech and Rosalee (Robinson) Leech. He was a graduate of Point Marion High School and proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. He was co-owner of Leech Brothers, a well-known home improvement business, with his brother, William "Billy" Leech.

Joe was a class champion of the Fayette County Horseshoe Pitcher's Association. He enjoyed deer and turkey hunting with family and friends at his family hunting camps located in Punxsutawney and Bedford County, Pa. Joe was an avid gardener who enjoyed searching for morel mushrooms and generously shared his harvest with others.

Joe deeply loved his family and enjoyed hosting gatherings. His legendary Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, hayrides, and unique competitive games brought everyone together for fun and laughter. His home was always open, welcoming all with his signature hospitality.

Joe loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and demonstrated this through his steadfast commitment and decades of service to the Lord. He was a dedicated member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Smithfield for over ninety years and was part of the Paul Tarcy Sunday School Class. He served on the Trustee Board for 45 years, including several decades as its chairman. As such, he helped oversee major building expansion projects, including the addition of an auditorium, Sunday School classrooms, a new kitchen, and the construction of a sanctuary. He also helped manage the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Joe enjoyed the fellowship with his Christian brothers and sisters through the years, and frequently said, "I love my Lord and I love Mount Moriah!"

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William "Billy" Leech, Jr. and Ronnie Leech.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 73 years, Doris (Scott) Leech, his children, Douglas Leech Jr. and wife, Dana, Morgantown, WV; Cheryl Blaney and husband, Gregory, Morgantown, WV; and Pamela Reid and husband, Roger, Mount Pleasant, PA.; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Christy Leech Burns, Douglas M. (Leila) Leech, and their mother, Sharon Oberlechner Leech; Jarod (Kadie) Blaney, Lauren (Daryl) Reynolds, Ryan (Apryl) Reid, and Megan (Christian) Domeck, Joshua (Morgan) Zerkel, Aaron Zerkel, Meghan (Will) Fields, and Jacob Zerkel; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

The family expresses gratitude to Amedisys Hospice, especially to Bobbi Jo Friend and Brittany Austin, for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided to Joe during his final weeks.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ferguson Funeral Home of Smithfield, 78 Main St., Smithfield PA 15478.

The family will receive friends and family at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Smithfield, PA, Monday, December 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, December 16 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., the hour of service with Rev. Jay Hurley and Pastor Darrell Edgar officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Mount Moriah Baptist Cemetery, Smithfield, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 30 Church Street, Smithfield, PA 15478, or by visiting https://mountmoriah.church and clicking on GIVE.