Ronald E Leach

A Memorial Graveside Service and Inurnment for Ronald E. Leach will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the Industry Cemetery at rural Atlanta, Nebraska with Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; the Leach family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Ron's service, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.

Ron's memorial graveside service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook page. ( https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622 ).

Ronald Everett Leach, 72 years of age, of Topeka, Kansas (formerly of Holdrege, Nebraska), passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020, at the Brighton Place West in Topeka.  Ronald was born April 2, 1948, at Holdrege, to Richard Harold and Katy Darlene (Osborn) Leach.  He received his education from Loomis Public School, and was later proud of the fact that he received his GED.

On August 16, 1967, he was inducted into United States Army along with his best friend, Bob Egge and served his country during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on March 20, 1969 at the rank of SP4.  Ron primarily served in Vietnam, was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart for his courage in the face of battle.  He was also awarded the Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Silver Service Star, Marksman Rifle Badge, and Brown Service Star.

In January of 1968, he was united in marriage to Sheryl Smith and to this union two daughters were born:  Gina and Stacy.  Following Ron's discharge, the family made their home in Atlanta, where Ronald began a career serving farmers in construction building grain bins for several years.  He began his career working for Verlyn Taylor construction of Holdrege, and later founded his own business doing the same.

Ron and his family moved to Funk, Nebraska in 1981, where he resided until suffering a car accident on September 9, 1981.  He then began to make his home at Brighton Place West in Topeka, where he resided until his passing.

Ron enjoyed working on his many cars.  He also enjoyed racing competitively and won many trophies.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and his extended relatives; singing, playing the guitar, and later a good card game.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; brother, Robert Leach; brother-in-law, Steve Daily; sister-in-law, Sharon Kay Leach and two nieces: Brynn Daily and Stephanie Leach.

Ronald leaves to celebrate his life; his two daughters:  Gina Schmalz of Holdrege; and Stacy Paulson and her husband, Jon of Cedar Springs, Michigan; eight grandchildren:  Payton, Jaydin, Brayden, and Raygen Schmalz of Holdrege; and Natalie, Ethan, Emily, and Gavin Paulson of Cedar Springs; one brother, Richard Leach and his wife, Laurie of Kearney, Nebraska; one sister, Debbie Daily of Kearney; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
There will be no visitation, the family is honoring Ron's wish for cremation.
A memorial has been established in Ron's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is assisting the family with the arrangements .