Paul "Larry" Lawrence Leach

Funeral services for Paul “Larry” Leach, 90, of Canton, TX, are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Monday, January 31, 2022, at Lakeside Baptist Church in Canton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Services are under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home. Burial will be held 1:00 PM, Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.

Paul Lawrence “Larry” Leach was born on January 12, 1932, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Edgar and Marion Leach. He was raised at Park Hill Baptist Church in Pueblo and gave his life to the Lord at 8 years old, of which he always said, “he has never looked back!” He joined the US Air Force and was stationed in French Morocco and Bangor, Maine. When his tour of duty ended, he came back home to Pueblo to complete his education at Southern Colorado State University and  Dallas-Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science, where he finished his educational requirements to become a Licensed Colorado Funeral Director and Embalmer. He married Nancy Means in 1959, who he met at his home church in Pueblo. They had the joy of a baby boy, Steve, born in 1960, Kathryn, born in 1963, and Jonathan, born in 1971.  They were married 62 years at the time of Larry’s home going.  Larry moved his family from Colorado to Dallas in 1966 and began working for Restland Funeral Home.  His love for people changed his focus and he preferred selling cemetery property and funerals for the rest of his career.  He was still selling from home until six years ago.  He loved to hear His wife play the piano and he adored classical music. One of his favorite musical pieces was the Hallelujah Chorus from "Handel's Messiah".  He was an avid fan of World War II history and especially enjoyed airplanes and bombers. Larry loved people and never met a stranger. He could start a conversation with the most educated person, or the kid at the fast-food counter. He viewed people as an opportunity.  He not only led his family with grace, but with a firm and loving hand.  In 62 years of marriage he guided his wife and family with tender love.  He has been loved and admired by his family and those close to him. His seven grandchildren adored him and he kept them entertained with Sunday School songs from years gone by. Larry, your family will miss your loving influence, but it won’t be long until we meet again.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Marion Leach; his grandparents, Emory and Lula Vining; and his wife's parents, Kenneth and Ruby Means.

Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife of 62 years, Nancy Leach; son, Steve Leach and wife Kim of Eustace, TX; daughter, Kathryn Alvis of Sulphur Springs, TX; son, Jonathan Leach and wife Carrie of Edgewood, TX.  Grandchildren, Preston Leach, Haven Leach, Dillon Alvis, Katie Alvis, Anna Leach, Tucker Alvis, and Morgan Leach. Sister-in-law, Carol Van Zandt and Niece, Karen Sue Smith both of Cypress, TX.

The family wishes to thank all of those that have helped in his recent care. Especially Country Trails Care Center, Caring Hearts Hospice, and his personal, loving caregiving aide, Marisela.

The funeral service will be live streamed.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Lakeside Baptist Church, Canton, TX. 

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