John Leach

John F. Leach August 13, 1949 – August 25, 2021 John F. Leach, 72, of Columbus, OH, passed from this life Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center - East Hospital. Born in Danville, VA, August 13, 1949, John was the son of beloved Clydia “Pat” Gable who preceded him in death. John attended Whiteland High School in Whiteland, IN, and earned his General Education Diploma while serving honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. For his service to his country, John was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze stars; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors), with palm; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960-). In addition to his responsibilities at sea, John served as a Navy K-9 Handler training Military Working Dogs (MWDs) deployed to seek out enemies and be the first line of defense for their units. John always formed unshakable bonds with his dogs during and outside of his military service, including his most recent companion, a Labrador-mix named “Blizzard” (still residing with John’s wife). John was an active member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. For many years, John enjoyed taking his family for nights out to see drive-in movies and day trips to wander around flea markets and antique malls. Being always young at heart, John was an avid comic book fan, superb arcade gamer, and expert pool player. Even well into his retirement, John enjoyed part-time employment at his local community game room Quarter Flash where he was able to continue to indulge in his lifelong youthful interests. John was a devoted husband and father, deeply loved and sorely missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife Judy Leach of Columbus, OH, with whom he celebrated 40 years of marriage on August 1, and his daughters Tionna (Jason) Bell of Dayton, OH, and Candy (Howard) Wills of Nashville, IN. A Celebration of Life service will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, September 19, at the American Legion, 3253 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the American Diabetes Association at https://www.diabetes.org/donate Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at https://www.leafcremationohio.com/obituaries/obituary-listings Inurnment entrusted to Leaf Cremation of Ohio.