Bernard L. Leech

Bernard L. Leech, 86, of Parsons, died at 10:29 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. He was born March 17, 1927, in Parsons, Kansas, to Ralph L. and Minnie A. (Habiger) Leech. He grew up in Parsons where he attended St. Patrick's Elementary School through 8th grade, East Jr. High School, was a graduate of Parsons Sr. High School, and earned an Associate degree from Parsons Jr. College. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy and later served in the Reserves thru March 17, 1975. Following 30 years of service, he retired from the United States Postal Service in 1987. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bernard enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul Society and Meals on Wheels. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing and bowling. He and Josephine Anne "JoAnne" McDowell were married November 11, 1952 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parsons. She preceded him in death on April 18, 1986. On April 24, 1993, he and Peggy (Steinhardt) Sevart were married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. She survives. In addition to his wife, survivors include: Three Sons – David Leech of Parsons, KS, Pat Leech and his wife, Janet of Parsons, KS, Dennis Leech and his companion, Elsie Woodard of Parsons, KS; One Daughter – Mary Brooks and her husband, Brad of Parsons, KS; Two Stepsons – Bradley Sevart and his wife, Jennifer of Kingsport, VA and Brian Sevart and his wife, Radell of Wichita, KS; One Stepdaughter – Renee K. Lewin and her husband, Dave of England; Five Grandchildren, Six Great-Grandchildren, Ten Step-Grandchildren, One Step-Great-Granddaughter, and One Sister – Delores Owens of Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Cyril and John Leech; one sister, Marie Becker; and one grandson, Christopher Leech. The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 27, 2013 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Friday, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons where the family will receive friends immediately following the rosary. Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or St. Patrick's Catholic School Endowment Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernard L. Leech, please visit our flower store.