Ray L. Leitch, Jr, resident of Marionville, Mo., stepped into his eternal home Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Cox Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri. He was born June 5, 1953, in Churubusco, Indiana, to Barbara Elizabeth Gaff Leitch and Ray L. Leitch Sr., both residents of Churubusco. He graduated from New London High School on May 23, 1972, in the state of Iowa, and later received an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from Charis Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on May 17, 2008.
He was married to JoAnn Leitch for 23 years until his death and was a faithful member of Destiny Church in Republic, Missouri.
Ray was preceded in death by both parents, brother Terry Leitch of Forest City, Iowa, and stepdaughter Amy Elizabeth Kelley of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Ray is survived by his wife JoAnn; two daughters, Elizabeth Kelly and husband Bart of Atlanta, Georgia and Kelly Rider and husband Adam of La Peer, Michigan. Also surviving are three stepsons; Aaron Sanders of Marionville, Missouri; Adam Sanders and wife Gail of Hedgesville, West Virginia; and Delane Hulen and wife Becky of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Ray is survived by two siblings, brother Delacy Leitch and wife Nancy of Orlando, Florida, and sister Dawn Dameron and husband Dave of Mt. Holly, North Carolina. Grandchildren include ten granddaughters and eleven grandsons, plus two great-granddaughters and three more great-grandchildren on the way. Other family members include numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Ray Leitch was an honorable man of integrity and character. He had a gentle, quiet nature and was more often a listener and observer than a talker. Yet when he spoke about a situation, his insight and depth of understanding were remarkable. Still waters run deep.
Being raised by a father who was a master mechanic, he developed a love for big machines. He worked as a heavy machine operator for many years and received several awards for his contribution on major construction projects. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for over 25 years and a member of the NRA Legion of Honor as a strong advocate and defender of Second Amendment Rights of the U.S. Constitution. He took his civic duty seriously.
Other interests and hobbies were old cars, various antiques, pottery, and coffee grinders, many which he collected.
In his later years, one thing of his life that stood out the most was his love for God. As a devout Christian, he was not one to talk the talk without walking the walk. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He loved missions and serving his Savior by serving others. He took seriously the words of scripture to, "go into all the world and preach the gospel, and...,"to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19, Mk 10:15). He did mission work in the countries of Belize, Ukraine, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, and Africa, in addition to many other places in the U.S., to fulfill his part of the Great Commission.
His life was a true example to others of God's grace. He was greatly loved by family and friends alike and will be sorely missed. But we don't grieve like those who have no hope. We know that when it is our time to step into eternity, we will see him again.
Services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole Street, Springfield, Missouri. Minister JoAnn Leitch will officiate under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Food Harvest.