Howard Elmer Leach

Howard Elmer Leach

Graveside services for Howard Elmer Leach will be held Friday, March 18, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Veterans Cemetery in Newton with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Howard Leach “Pops”, age 85, of Lauderdale passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016 at his home.

Howard attended school in Lawrence, Pennsylvania before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1948. He retired as CSC, USN in 1971. After retiring from the Navy he worked as a Federal Inspector for the USDA in Forest, Mississippi from 1972-1997. He then worked as a service manager for Electrolux (Aerus) in Meridian from 1998-2014. Howard served as an ordained deacon in Southern Baptist Churches in California, Hawaii, and Mississippi. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and loved spending time with all of his family.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Leach; children, Sharon Privett (Michael), Ken Leach (Peggy), Karon Leach, and Jay Leach (Stephanie); 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Shirley Miller; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friend, hunting buddy, and brother-in-Christ, Junior Hatcher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, and 4 sisters.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Anderson Cancer Center Benevolence Fund or Briarwood Baptist Church’s Annie Armstrong Easter offering.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.