Search

Obituaries

Of Chelsea, MI, age 89, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at his home. He was born April 27, 1933 in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Clarence L. & Theresa M. (Schwab) Leach.

Mel served in the Army from 1953-55. He worked for the Village of Chelsea in the Wastewater Treatment Plant for 33 years. Mel was a member of the Rod and Gun Club and the American Legion.

On August 10, 1957, he married Barbara Wilson in Toledo, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 8, 2019. Survivors include two daughters, Cynthia (Wesley) Mikesell of Fremont, and Susan (Ron Wolfe) Leach of Jackson; sons-in-law Adrian Carlino of Carlos Paz, Argentina, Daniel Spaulding of Jackson; 3 grandchildren, Nicole (Jason) Adams, Justin Degregorio, Anthony Degregorio; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and 4 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Karen Carlino and Kathy Spaulding, and one brother, Merle Leach.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 27,1:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor Larry Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.  The family will receive friends Sunday, March 26, from 2-4 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Rod & Gun Club or the American Legion.

Click here to watch the video tribute for Mel

Click here to watch Mel's funeral

 

 

You may share a memory or leave a message for Mel's family by using the form below. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your comments. 

 

Comments  

#6 mark t brennan 2023-03-24 17:02
Cindy and Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. I saw him last at my mother's funeral in December. I worked for Mel at the wastewater plant in the late 1970's. It was my first job after high school and he was my first supervisor. I learned a lot working that job and Mel had a lot to do with that. I learned to show up on time and be ready to work when I got there. And I learned that break time was at 9:00 am sharp. I learned to drink coffee, black and that instant Maxwell house was the only way to go. (We didn't have Mr. Coffee or Keurig back then.) Lunch time was a sack lunch eaten sitting around Mel's desk. It was there that Mel and Cal (Also sadly passed.) played the game of "Make Mark Blush". I won't go into details here, but you can surely recall Mel's sense of humor. His take on supervising me was probably similar to how he raised you. I was to learn later in life just how annoying that watching a teenager pretend to work can be. And Mel often let me know when I could do better.
Quote
#5 William & Sarah Ball 2023-03-24 12:59
We are so very sorry to hear of Mr. Mels passing. Please know you will all be in our continued thoughts and prayers.
Billy & Sarah Ball
Quote
#4 Alicia Lixey 2023-03-23 09:45
I’m so sad to hear of Mel’s passing. I have so many memories of the times I spent with the Leach sisters at their house there on Cavanaugh Lake and times Mel and Barb would come and visit Cindy in college and always including me in a Sunday dinner. How Mel taught me to slalom ski. Cindy and Susie know I’m here for you. Love you both.
Quote
#3 BARBARA J FREDETTE 2023-03-22 20:32
Dear Cindy & Susie,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He and I worked together at the Village for many years and I was a friend and classmate of Karen. Your Dad was a dear friend of my husband and I and we will cherish all the fun we had whenever we were together. He is with your Mom now. I know he missed her terribly. Rest in peace Mel....

Barbara and Charley Fredette
Quote
#2 MaryKay Toth Wernert 2023-03-22 19:40
Cindy and Susie I’m so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. He was a wonderful man. Love and hugs to you.
Quote
#1 Rick Sweeny 2023-03-22 17:33
Cindy & Sue, so sorry to hear about your dad.I have so many great memories of growing up around your family. Words can not express how I feel about all of you. Unfortunately I’m out of state till April but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers
Quote

Add comment

Security code
Refresh