Merle Joseph Leigh

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Merle Joseph Leigh, age 88 of Osage Beach, MO, formerly of Dyersville, IA. He entered into the presence of his Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Merle was born in Dyersville, IA to loving parents, Harold and Clara Leigh on August 16, 1936. At an early age, Merle and his siblings worked on the family farm, and as a teenager at the local gas station by the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville where he met his sweetheart, Janet (Kahrs) Leigh. They married shortly after and had five children together.
Merle was a hard-worker and had many job opportunities. He began as a welder to take care of his young family and worked across the country on the gas pipelines in the 1950's. After years on the road, Merle and Janet decided to settle down, back in Dyersville, IA. He then started his own business, Utility Construction and collaborated with his sister, Carol, and his brother Jim. Sadly, he and the love of his life separated, and Merle then moved to Missouri and started other businesses. He installed cable for Falcon Cable Company, and established two gas line inspection companies, Osage Energy Group and Utility Inspections Unlimited.
He married a second time to Denise (Sunday) Leigh and then divorced. During their marriage he lovingly adopted her daughter, Katie, who became part of an extended family.
Merle loved to work, but he also sought thrills in flying several airplanes, fishing with his brother Jim, hunting with his sons and friends and enjoyed a relaxing game of golf. Because of his love of airplanes and flying, Merle and two of his sons, Randy and Brian traveled to Wisconsin for the air show. He also liked to join his oldest son, Tom for a nice steak dinner and a movie every Friday. As the adventurer he was, he and his oldest daughter, Suzan drove from Missouri to California to visit grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was able to chalk off his bucket list by having a cross-country trip with his daughter Traci to Maine, New York's Niagara Falls and Canada, and as a Willie Nelson fan, he and his stepdaughter Katie went to his last concert in Missouri. He also enjoyed a few card games with friends and family and on occasion was content to lounge by the lake. He was a devout Christian and a member of Riverview Baptist Church in Osage Beach. There, he was involved in a men's prayer group and participated in "Love the Lake" events which help the community.
By the Grace of God, Merle was not alone as he drew his last breath. His eldest son, Tom, stepdaughter, Katie and Merle's dear and close friend, Scott Bechtold were comforting him as he transitioned from this life to eternal rest and peace. On the telephone was his grandson, Christophor and great grandson, Ryder, who spoke to him the last words he had heard, "I love you grandpa."
Merle is survived by his former wife, Janet (Kahrs) Leigh, two sons, Tom Leigh and Randy (Jeanie) Leigh, his daughter Traci Leigh and stepdaughter Katie (Bob) Luebbert, brother Bob Leigh, Sisters Carol Leigh Harrod, Janet Leigh Orr, grandchildren Kristi (Tim) Kramer, Ethan (Elisa) Leigh, Chris (Lea) Daugaard, Holly (Thomas) Roemer, Christophor Carbrey, Austin (Emily, significant other) Leigh, Nick (Olive, fiancé) Leigh and Skyler (Kerry) McGrath, a daughter-in-law Amy Leigh, step grand-daughter Sunday Leigh, along with a number of great grandchildren; a niece that Merle cared for deeply, Jeanette Leigh, in addition to other nieces and nephews as well as cousins and ex-wife Denise Sunday Leigh. Also, best friends Nancy Marty, Fly Kramer, and A.J. Spiegel, together with many more family of friends.
He is re-united with his son, Brian Leigh, daughter, Suzan Leigh, his parents, Clara and Harold Leigh and brothers Jim, Jerry, and Tommy Leigh, who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am at Riverview Baptist Church, Osage Beach, MO, Saturday, May 3, 2025. A service to celebrate his faith will begin at 11:00 am. Riverside Baptist Church and Hedges-Scott Millard Funeral Home will care for the family during the interment from 12:30-1:30 pm at Lake Memorial Gardens in Osage Beach.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.