Noted Math Teacher at KHS dies at age 91 after a lifetime love of mathematics

 

 While I was not a student in Mr. Leech's class at Kirkwood High, others do remember him and my attention was called to his obituary courtesy of my pal, Pat Hoag, so that I could share.  He certainly led a life devoted to mathematics to the advantage of many I'm sure.  May he be resting in peace and love.

  Leech, John David, passed away on Aug. 8, 2024, at the age of 91

 David was born on Aug. 5, 1933, in Odessa, Missouri, to Howard Wray Leech and Emelia Louise Florentine Leech (née Zopf).  After graduating from Chillicothe High School in 1951, David attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1955.  David served as a reserve officer in the U.S. Army from 1955-1964, during which time he rose to the rank of first lieutenant. David then continued his education, earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree from Saint Louis University. 

David was a longtime public school math teacher.  Starting his 35-year teaching career in Russellville, Missouri, David taught at Berkeley High School and Valparaiso Middle School (Indiana) before concluding his career as a fixture at Kirkwood High School.  His time in Kirkwood led him to becoming a longtime chair of the math department. His passion also led him to a 30-plus year part time position teaching mathematics at St. Louis Community College - Meramec. In retirement, David continued to advocate for mathematics education by serving as a volunteer math tutor.  David was proud of having been an Eagle Scout. A formidable Rummikub opponent, David’s passions included yearly trips to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, woodworking, bocce ball and custard pie.

Mr. Leech is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Susanne Leech (nee Ledgerwood); his children, Melissa Leech (Glenn Hoffmeister, deceased; Brian Armstrong), Melinda Looby (Jim Looby) and John Leech (Joy Hannel); and six grandchildren, Matthew (Caitlyn), Emily, Andrew, Thomas and Daniel Looby; and Rachel Hannel Leech. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Wray Leech; and his sister, Nancy Jane Harding. David was proud of all his children and grandchildren. David’s kindness and sense of humor were not easily forgotten. He will be missed dearly by not only his family, but all who had the pleasure to know him. 

A memorial service will be held at Friendship Village Chesterfield on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the employee assistance fund at Friendship Village Chesterfield. Arrangements by Bopp Chapel.

 

Peter Moisio, Pat's brother lived a good life, now he's gone - a wonderful family story of love and care

 

Peter Moisio Obituary

Moisio, Peter Anton 62, of St. Louis passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, with St. Louis Arc Rainbow Village staff by his side.

Peter started his 21 years of growth and independence in the St. Louis area when he moved from Tucson, Arizona, where he lived with his brother Rick and his wife Mary, to live with his sister Pat and her late husband, Stanley. Stan and Pat encouraged Pete in his independence, creativity, volunteerism, and confidence. Stan used his real estate expertise to help Peter find an apartment that was safe and perfect location-wise to Peter's friends as well as his many activities. When living in his apartment, he was supported by Midwest Easter Seals staff. Additionally, Peter learned skills taught by Bill, Cathy, Carol, and Piper. When he moved to the St. Louis Arc Rainbow Village (Promise Community) campus, he evolved further with help from Craig, MaryAnne, Ed, Seth, Kristie, Eli, Amber, and countless others.

Services: The celebration of Peter's life will be at Webster United Methodist Church, 600 North Bompart Avenue, Webster Groves, Missouri 63119, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The celebration of Peter's life will be streamed live. For those who are unable to attend Peter's celebration of life, please use the following link to participate in the live streaming,

https://websterunitedmethodist.org/wum-online-watch-online/.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the St. Louis Arc, (Supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families since 1950.), 1177 Warson Road, Saint Louis, MO 63132, 314-817-2242.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Aug. 17, 2024.

Another classmate has passed away

 

KHS65 folks, in working on getting our class database in shape I've found another classmate who has passed away. Elizabeth Cason died in 2013 in Holmen, Wisconsin. The obituary is in a newspaper which won't let you read w/o a subscription but I could read between the ads enuf to learn she had a PhD in Math, maybe something else too. She was a professor somewhere in WI, one of her advanced degrees was from Mizzou. At KHS she belonged to Biology & Chemistry clubs, sang in Girl's Chorus and did girls' sports, graduated in the top 10% of the class and earned the gold K. She apparently never married or had children. She had an endowment of some sort because the LaCrosse (WI) Area Foundation has, or at least had in 2017, an M. Elizabeth Cason Foundation award which was given to someone. I am afraid I'll find more of our classmates gone, but when I began trying to revive our database, I assumed that would be the case...Don't forget if you want to see the Memorial List, it is on the right side of this blog, scroll down on the front page and you'll see it. Stay well everyone!!! 

 

 Send info so we can keep in touch! I'm working hard on updating our data base so we can reach as many as possible!

KHS65 LOTS GOING ON - COME ONE AND ALL, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

 

KIRKWOOD FRIENDS - heads up, lots of doings for KHS65 members.

 

September 6 & 7 KHS Athletic Hall of Fame celebration with some of our class members being honored. More details coming but for now - Friday night football game half time honors & Saturday public ceremony and reception for the inductees. I have more info but need to gather some details...it's going to be a great weekend! 

 

Sat Sept 14 We will have a float in Greentree Festival Parade. Bill Bailey, Karen Lowe, Dave Beardsley & Pat Corpening Hoag will ride in the Bailey family 1967 Galaxy 500 convertible.

 

SEPTEMBER 28 KHS65 PICNIC -KIRKWOOD PARK LYONS PAVILION 11 -3, our normal brats, dogs & burgers; bring sides to share or for yourself, BYOB soft drinks, water or whatever beverage you wish to drink.

 

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST HARD TO BELIEVE BUT A 60th REUNION IN 2025 IS IN THE PLANNING STAGES - if you have an idea, get in touch. Please send me any contact info for you that we might not have, especially email addresses, we're getting ready to send some announcements and email lets us keep our money for parties!!! Messages here will be accepted to put you on the list! OR emails or phone calls... you know the drill... if we gotta age, this is the way to do it, the KIRKWOOD way! 636 220 2442 GETS YOU TO MY VOICEMAIL 

LESLIE@KHS65.COM GETS YOUR INFO TO ME TOO...