Jerry Dewayne Leach, 77, of Richmond, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. He was born in Hustonville, Kentucky on February 12, 1948, to the late William Harold Leach and Iva Brown Leach. He was raised in Junction City, Kentucky and spent his adult life in Richmond. He pursued his higher education at Eastern Kentucky University where he received his master’s degree in teaching. He taught at Henry Clay High School in Lexington for 33 years where he established an award-winning drafting program. Upon retirement he opened Award Center Plaques and Trophies and built and managed several rental properties. In his leisure time he enjoyed playing the guitar and mandolin, as well restoring antique cars. He was Past Master of Waco Masonic Lodge No. 338 and a member of the Richmond York Rite Masonic bodies. He was a member of the Unity Baptist Church. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, William Harold Leach and Iva Brown Leach. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Connie Newman Leach, of Richmond; a daughter, Kelly Estepp (Bob), of Richmond; a son, the Honorable William “Bo” Leach (Erin), of Irvine, KY, and a daughter, Whitney McWilliams, of International Falls, MN., as well as four grandchildren, Eric Philbeck, Noah McWilliams, Ellory Leach, and Addilyn Leach. He is also survived by a brother Billy Leach, (Myong), of Augusta, GA, a sister, Mary Lawrence (Wendell), of Danville, KY, and a sister, Linda Pennington, (E.C.) of Hebron, KY.
Masonic Service held September 15th, 2025. The funeral service held Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with the Rev. Thomas Newman officiating, at Oldham, Roberts, & Powell Funeral Home. Burial at the Richmond Cemetery. Pallbearers; Noah McWilliams, Eddie Lawrence, Emmett Pennington, Clay Pennington, Charles Cunagin, and Eric Huff.
