Paul E. Leach, age 85, of Ocala, Florida, and a former resident of Wellston, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 17, following failing health due to being assaulted in March. He was born May 13, 1936, in Wellston, Ohio, son of the late Earl E. Leach and Edna May Gehring Leach. Paul was a veteran of the United States Army and a former truck driver for Yellow Freight out of Columbus. He attended the Meadowbrook Church in Ocala, Florida and was a member of the American Legion Post 371 in Wellston and the Eagles Lodge.
Paul is survived by his daughters, Vicki Lynn Collins of Albany, Kimberly Sue Leach of Logan, and Jacqueline Ann Leach of Logan; former wife, Sue Gregory of Ocala, Florida; step-children, Stephen Gregory (Jana) of Texas, Julie Faulkner (Randy) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Mark Gregory (Gina) of Ocala, Florida; grandchildren, Kevin Thompson and Cody Thompson, both of Albany; Christopher Gregory, Cara Gregory, Kayla Gregory, and Cameron Gregory, all of California, Taylor Faulkner of Indiana, and Kadin Gregory of Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Sue Steele Leach; son, Christopher Ford; son-in-law, John Collins; brother, Robert E. Leach; sisters, Betty Johnson, Maxine Leach, and Pauline Leach Rainer; niece, Pat Abele; and special nephew, Ernie Leach.
Calling hours will be Saturday, July 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral services will be Sunday, July 25 at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home, with Pastor John Pelletier officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Elk Cemetery in McArthur. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.