Lyman Ward (Tex) Leach, Jr.

Lyman Ward (Tex) Leach, Jr., age 92, of Big Spring, Texas, (Former longtime resident of Sweetwater, Texas), passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home in Big Spring, Texas.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M..

Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 30. 2022 at Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas with Rev. Keith Hills officiating.  Burial will follow with the U.S. Naval Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Lyman Ward (Tex) Leach, Jr. was born on September 18, 1929 in San Antonio, Texas to Lyman Leach, Sr. and Minnie (Martinez) Leach.  He married Marie Backhaus Mitchell on November 18, l997 in Sweetwater, Texas.  He worked  as an airline mechanic for Eastern Airlines for many years before retiring.  He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Cape Esperance, an escort carrier.  Also he received the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  He served four years total, including one year in Korea.  Tex was a longtime loyal  member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sweetwater.  He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and V.F.W..  Tex  never met a stranger.  He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say to everyone.  He will truly be missed.

He is survived by son, Larry Jon Leach of Seattle, Washington, daughters, Julie Ann Robertson of Federal Way, Washington, and Lori Lynn Redfield of Barnston, Nebraska, step-son, Bryan Mitchell of Decatur, Texas, step-daughter, Janet Fagan of Midland, Texas,  four grandsons, numerous great grandchildren, two step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, brothers, David Leach of Seattle, Washington, and Donald Leach of Eastland, Texas, sister-in-law, Christina Leach of Houston, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece and nephew, Pat Matull and Joe Martinez, both of San Antonio, Texas and special friend, Jimmie Tidwell of Colorado City, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman Leach, Sr. and Minnie Leach, step-mother, Estelle Ann Leach, wife, Marie Leach, son, Randal Mark Leach,  sister, Laura Martinez and  three brothers, Kenneth Charles Leach, Raymond Leach and Harold Leach.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.