George F. Leach

GEORGE F. LEACH

George F. Leach, 90, Centralia, MO passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Turners Rock Senior Living Community in Springfield, MO. He was born on March 2, 1935, in Mountain Grove, MO the son of the late Jesse and Ona (Long) Leach. On December 3, 1967, he was united in marriage to Janice Ann Gruber who preceded him in death on October 31, 2013.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by three daughters Shelly Belvill and her husband Kyle of Castle Rock, CO, Stephanie Smith and her husband Keith of Springfield, MO and Tonya Rinehart and her husband Fred of Springfield, MO; two sons Dustin Leach and his wife Kim of Overland Park, KS and Zach Leach and his wife Kim of Springfield, MO; one sister Rosemary Stevens of Idaho; six grandchildren Luc Belvill, Sam Rinehart, Max Rinehart, Porter Leach, Grayson Leach and Kellison Leach; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many dear friends including the loving members of the Turners Rock Community. In addition to his parents and wife, five brothers, Everett Leach, Oscar Leach, Fred Leach, Norman Leach and Charley Leach and three sisters Ellen Keith, Anges Lucas and Ola Mae Erwin preceded him in death.

He was quick with a joke and loved nothing more than making others laugh. George served his country in the United States Army. He began his career with Missouri Power & Light, later joined Union Electric, and ultimately retired as a gas foreman with Ameren UE—never taking a sick day. He was a member of Centralia First Baptist Church and the NASCAR Pace Car Club, through which he visited numerous race tracks. George enjoyed hunting, NASCAR racing, fast cars, dancing to the Krazy Kats, and cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved calling Army cadence and, most of all, spending time with his friends and family—especially his grandchildren. At Turners Rock he answered to many names—Pops, Papa Smurf, Georgie, Santa, Mr. George, and Soldier—and he relished the Monday and Wednesday happy hour gatherings.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Oliver Funeral Home in Centralia, MO. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Centralia City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until service time on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Oliver Funeral Home in Centralia, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Centralia Avenue of Flags, c/o Oliver Funeral Home, P.O. Box 125, Centralia, MO 65240. Condolences may also be made to the family at www.oliverfuneralhome.net