Marvin Earl Leach

We all have those loud voices in our lives-the ones that captivate our attention and energy; but not everyone is lucky enough to have a quiet, steady voice-one that is constant and unwavering; one that, without saying a word, gently reminds us of the little things that are most important in life; one that keeps us grounded in love. We were some of the lucky ones! At first, he was Marvin, then he was Daddy, and for the last era of his life, he was Papa.

Papa was the calm in the chaos. He was the one sitting quietly in his corner recliner, observing but never judging, while everyone else was creating havoc. He could build or fix anything- from working on cars, to building a house to make memories in, desks to study at, podiums to lecture from, doll houses to imagine with, or white picket beds to dream in. He could be stern when he needed to be, but he was also gentle enough to remove splinters from tiny feet, let his granddaughter put rollers in his hair and lotion on his feet while his grandson tromped around the house in one of his famous white tees, and watched countless hours of Disney movies with his great-grandchildren. He was always busy working on someone else’s “to-do” list, yet he always made time to play a game of cards with those he loved. Papa was just a phone call away and was the “go to” person that everyone could depend on for anything and everything without fail. He was a role model in each of our lives, instilling an appreciation for all that we have been blessed with and the value of hard work.

Marvin Earl Leach, 93, of Lumberton, Texas passed away peacefully October 27, 2025, with his family at his side in the home he built in 1994. He was born on August 6, 1932, in Lantry, South Dakota to Samuel Milton and Viola Shaw Leach. He happily shared his special day with a great-grandson.

In 1936, due to the depression, his family had to sell their ranch in South Dakota and move to his grandparents’ ranch about 5 miles from Logan, Nebraska. At the age of 9, he would tie his own wagon to his dad’s and trudge up and down the corn rows until the sun went down. By the end of the day, he had picked 6 bushels by weight of corn, for which his dad gave him the regular picking rate of 8 cents per bushel. Marvin spoke many times of riding his horse in the snow to get to and from school. Neither his hard work ethic nor his love for horses ever faded. To this day, you will still find a horse in his pasture and a workshop full of just about any tool you can imagine.

In 1951, Marvin joined the Navy. While stationed in Orange, Texas, he met the love of his life, Bille Jean Anderson. They were married on July 1, 1952. In 1955, he earned an honorable discharge from the military, and the young couple established their home in Beaumont, Texas, where they raised a family before later moving to Lumberton, Texas. Marvin and Billie were married for 62 years when Billie passed away. They were blessed with 2 children, 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Though Marvin was not a man of many words, he was living proof that actions really do speak louder than words. He was the most loving and caring Husband, Daddy and Papa, and he showed his love, in his ever so quiet way, to his entire family every day of his life.

Left to cherish his memory is his son, Michael Leach (Paula); daughter, Carolyn Bondy (Steve); granddaughter, Christy Duran (Mark); grandson, Scott Leach (Lindsay); great-granddaughter, Christlynn Duran; great-grandsons, Dakota Duran (Jenna), Ryder Leach, and Rayburn Leach; great-great-grandchildren, Delaney and Jackson Duran.

A gathering of Mr. Leach’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 31, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marvin’s memory to Empowering Women as Leaders, a non-profit started by his daughter. Donations can be made at ewlusa.org or mailing EWL NATIONAL, P.O. Box 700334, Dallas, Texas 75370.