Russell ‘Russ’ Gene Leach, 89, of Ogallala passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Perkins County Health Services in Grant, Nebraska.
Russ, was born , July 6, 1936 to George W. and Eunice E. (Deckert) Leach in Kalamazoo, NE (Madison County). His parents were ranch hands for several farmers and ranchers. He moved many times in his early years. Russ went to work at a young age as a ranch hand.
Russ started his education in Boone County, Nebraska. He completed his eighth grade year in 1949 in Albion, Nebraska then went on to work to help support his family. He worked on many farms and ranches throughout the Boone County area.
Russ met Millie in Brule, Nebraska where he worked at McGinley-Schilz Feedlot. Russ and Millie were married in Julesburg, Colorado and started their married life at the McGinley-Schilz feedlot south of Brule, then moved to the Henry Anderson farm near Paxton. They later worked for Lawler Farm & Ranch south of Paxton. In 1966, Millie and Russell moved to Ogallala where Russell started a new career as a truck driver and Millie remained the keeper of the home. They were married for 67 years.
In Ogallala, Russ drove for many companies throughout his trucking career. As a longtime livestock hauler, he drove for Wayne Liggett Trucking, Padley-Dudden Trucking, Chub Walker Trucking and DAD Farms just to name a few. His last driving job before retiring was with Winfield where he enjoyed driving the countryside, talking to customers, and delivering fertilizer. Macular Degeneration kept him from trucking any longer. He also worked for Holzfaster’s Equipment, Reiger Equipment, Ivan Regier Landscaping and MCM Truck repair to name a few. Russ opened up his own trucking business in 1982 and was proud to put Russell Leach & Son Trucking on the door of the truck. He retired from trucking in 1999 and returned to work for Lawler Farm & Ranch. Later he worked for Tucker Farms.
Russ didn’t have many hobbies, but he enjoyed tinkering with small engines and small appliances. Tearing things apart and putting them back together was his thing. He could fix just about anything that had a motor.
One of his greatest joys was attending Chad’s sports events when he was in the area and in later years attending the grandkid’s events.
Russ was a man of faith. He loved the Lord deeply. He was a member of the Berean Fundamental Church now known as New Hope Church. He spent many years helping with men’s groups and going to several bible studies throughout his life.
There is much more to this story, but we’ll quit for now. Rest in peace Dad.
Survivors include, daughters Melanie Towell of Ogallala and Deb (Steve) Demilt of Ogallala. One son – Chad Leach of Kearney Nebraska. Grandchildren: Brooke Burton of Ogallala,
Erica (Ben) Berry of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Mallory Demilt of Brule, Cami (Aaron) Spong of Firestone, Colorado, Travis (Kelli) Demilt of Keystone Nebraska and Nathan (Kameryn) Towell of Moorcroft, Wyoming. Great grandchildren: Kyarrah Burton, Beckett, Nova and Solomon Berry, Amelia Demilt, Kendall and Kolby Spong, Josi and Cayzan Demilt, Max, Jovi and Jasper Towell, sister; Viola Farrell of Indiana, brother in law; Willie Eastwood of Greeley, Colorado, and many special nieces and nephews along with great nieces and nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death; his wife of 67 years Millie Leach, September 2, 2025, his parents, his brothers in laws: Raymond ( Buddy) Eastwood, Francis (Babe) and Donnie Eastwood, great grandchildren - Abel Spong and Milo Berry. Sister, Eleanor Leach and brother, Gale Leach along with nephews, Rick & George Leach.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
Memorial services will be Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., at Ogallala New Hope. With Pastor Matt Waitley and Bobby Bruggeman of Church of Christ officiating. Inurnment will be at McCain Cemetery in Stapleton, Nebraska at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com and services will be live streamed from the site by clicking watch live.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.