Lonnie Tanner Leach, age 91, of Oak Grove Road, Morehead, Kentucky, a veteran of the U.S. Navy/Air Corps and a retired Kentucky State Police Detective/Sergeant, passed away on January 22, 2022, after being struck by an automobile near his home.

 

Lonnie was born October 14, 1930, in Paris, Kentucky, and grew up in Hazard, Kentucky, a son of the late Ross Leach and Clara Rice Leach.  A sister, Lila Leach, also preceded him in death, and his companion of 43 years, Jeanetta Caudill, passed away on February 15, 2020.

 

Lonnie is survived by two daughters, Melanie (Brad) Murphy of Wilder, Kentucky, and Pamela (Greg) Bisig of Atlanta, Georgia; five grandchildren, Chase Bisig, Spencer Bisig, Makenzee Bisig, Peyton Murphy, and Piper Murphy; a sister, Mary Sue Myers of Louisville, Kentucky; and two special cousins, Walker Daniels of Fairfield, Ohio, and Donald Rice of Butler, Kentucky. 

 

In addition, he will be remembered by extended family, friends, military members and veterans, as well as law enforcement members in various agencies. 

 

Lonnie was a lifelong public servant. He attended college in New York, served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps for seven years, and spent more than 30 years in various capacities in law enforcement, primarily in the Louisville area.  After moving through the ranks in the Kentucky State Police, he retired as Detective Sergeant after 29 years. He was a former Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff, and for many years owned and operated A B Polygraph Services in Louisville.

 

During his working years, he was involved in community organizations including the Oleika Mason and Shriners in Lexington.  He was a current member of American Legion Post 0200 in Louisville.

 

After moving to Morehead in 2008, Lonnie greatly enjoyed nature, especially squirrel hunting, riding his side-by-side on the farm, and spending time with Jeanetta.  The farm animals were not only pets, but family.  Cheyenne and Lady, his horses, have enjoyed family love for twenty years.  He also has a special dog, Angel, and before Jo Jo, Dingo, Danga, and Chuckie crossed the Rainbow Bridge they, too, were recipients of the “best of the best.” 

 

Lonnie’s legacy will long be remembered by those who knew him and whose lives were greatly influenced by him.  He will be missed. 

 

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel.  Burial will follow at Caudill Family Cemetery on Lower Oak Grove Road, Morehead, with full military honors presented by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.

 

Pallbearers:  Alvin Kidd, Glen Sorrell, Peyton Murphy, Brad Murphy, Walker Daniels, and Chase Bisig. 

 

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

 

Sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com