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- The Herald Journal (Logan, UT)
September 24, 2011
My funny, loving, truck-driving husband, Derrel Ray Leach, was on his way to that next delivery when he was involved in an accident Sept. 21, 2011, that took his life. Derrel was born Oct. 11, 1946, to Ona Neva McDonald and Willie James Leach in Eastland county, Texas.
His life was truly a bridge between primitive living and a life of abundance. Early years were spent on a farm with no indoor plumbing and electricity. The family moved around during these years, following the work available to his father, finally settling down in Terrell, Texas. There, Derrel attended school, but received his GED while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He loved the freedom and simplicity of country living and was looking forward to returning to his beloved Texas. He was a whiz car mechanic, loving to work in grease of any kind while repairing or rebuilding an engine. He loved to tell stories of saving his old two-tone blue pickup from the crusher and driving it for another 20 years (plus or minus five). Derrel was passionate about so many simple things: Mrs. Baird's bread, Borden's Dutch chocolate milk, every tool for any possible situation, his white Ford F150, collectible memorabilia and coins, a hamburger done his way, Shelby Mustangs, guns, his books and being a native Texan.
He is the father of two children, Brian and Joye, who he loved with all this heart, frequently commenting on what great adults they had become and taking any opportunity to praise their efforts and good fortune.
He met his wife, Jill Savage, at the Dallas, Texas, LDS Temple where they were both employed. He relentlessly pursued her until she finally gave in, and they were married May 30, 1989, in the Salt Lake City Temple.
For the past 13 years, they have lived in Hyrum, where they cared for Jill's mother until she moved to an assisted living center. At the time of his death, he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he loved to serve anywhere he was needed.
Derrel is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jill; his two children, Brian Ray Leach (Kathy) of Magna, Utah, and Joye Lynn Leach Henrie (Russ) of Fayetteville, Ark.; four grandchildren, Tanisha, Roddy, Lillie and Bailey; his brother, Fred Leach of Austin, Texas; and a sister, Madelyn Stella Linda Leach of Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
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1946 - 2011 (64 years)
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