1933 - 2026
Darrell Ray Leach was born November 2, 1933, in Davenport, Oklahoma to F.I. “Bunk” and Violet Crouch Leach and passed away June 27, 2026, in Oklahoma City.
Darrell attended a one room schoolhouse in Davenport during his younger years and graduated from Chandler High School in 1952. He enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard at age 15, being secretive of his real age and serving seven and one half years achieving the rank of Seargent before receiving an honorable discharge. On February 21, 1953, he married Helen R. VanArsdale in Tryon, Oklahoma and were happy together for 47 years until her passing. They were proud parents of three boys: Jerry, Michael, and Kevin.
Darrell began working for Gordon White Lumber Company in 1952 alongside his father in Chandler, which later became Clifford White Lumber Company. He was mentored by Gordon and Clifford White and formed his knowledge and love for the lumber business. In 1965 he moved his family to Guthrie, Oklahoma to become the manager of Gangwer Lumber Company and built a reputation for his honesty and integrity. In 1980 he created Darrell Leach Construction doing residential and light commercial construction.
He was instrumental in the rebuilding of numerous historic buildings in downtown Guthrie with the Victor Building being his proudest, but also leaving his mark and workmanship on many other buildings in historical downtown Guthrie. He also was enormously proud of the Driskell House, numerous church annexes and school builds across the state.
Darrell was regularly active in the Lions Club International serving as president of the local chapter.
Darrell and Helen were highly active members in the First Baptist Church of Guthrie where they were Sunday school teachers for many years, where he also served as deacon as well.
On June 10, 2001, he married Corinne LeGrande and happily enlarged his family with five more children. Darrell became an active member of the Guthrie Church of the Nazarene.
Darrell is proceeded in death by his wife Helen, parents, brother Chester, daughtersin- law Raquel Leach, Sharon Leach and Susan Leach. Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife Corrine of 25 years; sons Jerry, Michael, Kevin Leach; stepsons Gary, John, Chris and Ted LeGrande; stepdaughter Karen Johnston; brother Cecil & Lynda Leach; sister Frances & Danny Mangold; 17 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Hayes Funeral Home from 12:00 - 7:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Guthrie Church of the Nazarene (304 N Midwest Blvd, Guthrie, OK 73044). Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Memorial Park in Guthrie (1624 N. Pine, Guthrie, OK 73044).
Services are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at hayesfh.com.
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - July 1, 2026