Thomas Dale Leach's Obituary
Thomas "Tom" Dale Leach, 75, beloved husband, father, papa, and friend, passed away after a courageous five-year battle with cancer on February 12th. He was born November 11, 1950, in Hanford, California, to Norma Bowman and John Leach.
Tom grew up in Southern Ca and moved to Tulsa when he was 12. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1968. In 1970, he joined the United States Navy, serving two years during the Vietnam War on Admiral Staff. That same year, he married Linda Marshall, and together they welcomed two children, Mary Melissa and Robert Matthew.
Throughout his career, Tom worked in both the aerospace industry and the automotive industry as a service manager, where he built lifelong friendships.
Tom eventually retired early to take on the role he cherished most-being a full-time papa extraordinaire to his granddaughters, Erin and Jamey. He also loved referring to himself, with a grin, as Lynn's trophy husband.
An avid fisherman, Tom delighted kids by telling them they could call him "Crappie Tom," the best crappie fisherman in Oklahoma. When he wasn't on the water, he could often be found on the golf course. When it was too cold for golf or fishing, you could find him at the horse races. He never found a 1,2,3 trifecta bet he didn't like.
A lifelong baseball fan, Tom grew up rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, later becoming a devoted Texas Rangers supporter. His encyclopedic knowledge of baseball trivia earned him the championship title of "So, You Think You Know Baseball?" at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, proudly watched by his grandson Tyler.
Tom's love for music-especially the Beatles-was a constant presence throughout his life. In 1989, he met the love of his life, Lynn Burnworth, at work. They married on December 16, 1994, and truly lived happily ever after. Traveling together and going to concerts brought them great joy, and no trip was complete without a quick stop at a casino to "run a $20." Tom especially treasured taking the grandkids to Disney-even though he preferred to admire the rides from the ground.
Known for his warmth and generosity, Tom never met a stranger. If he was around, an impromptu happy hour was bound to happen. He adored kids and dogs - the more, the better. Starting with coaching Robert and his friends little league teams and later could be could often be found in the backyard with a pool full of neighborhood children, handing out hot dogs and popsicles. Tom possessed a special kindness that made everyone feel welcome, valued, and at ease.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Norma Leach, and his brother, John "Jack" Courtland Leach III.
He is survived by his wife Lynn; his children Melissa and Robert; grandson Tyler Seabolt, his wife Macaela, and great-grandson Micah; granddaughters Erin and Jamey Leach; sister Beverly Dabney; niece Lora Neild; nephew Justin Mason, his spouse Fay, and their children Sloan, Hank, and Emmitt.
Tom lived life with joy, humor, loyalty, and a heart big enough for everyone. His legacy of love will continue through the many people whose lives he touched.
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