Samuel Leach, 88, of Royalton, Illinois passed away at 8:40 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at his home with his loving family at his side. Samuel was born May 28, 1926 in Blairsville to Fount and Della (Harper) Leach. He is survived by wife Jennie (nee Koren) of 61 years. Other survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Becky Leach of Royalton, Jack and Rebecca Leach of Royalton; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Martin Healy of Western Springs; five grandchildren, Stephanie and Cody Isaacs of Marion, Samuel Leach of Royalton and Jade and Jasmine Brooks of Royalton; two great grandchildren, Logan and Morgan Isaacs of Marion; a sister, Maxine Hinchcliff of Kirkwood, MO and his beloved dog Max of Royalton.He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Frank Leach of Waukegan, IL Jack and Fred Leach of Carterville and one sister Lillian Masters of New Carlisle, IN. Mr. Leach loved spending time with family, gardening and walking his dog. Was a member of the St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Royalton. Sam retired from Consolidated Coal Company’s Burning Star #5 Mine in Desoto. He was a decorated Army Veteran of World War II. Sam served in Europe along with his 3 brothers; Frank and Fred in the Navy and Jack in the Army. Sam was a heavy machine gunner and was at the Battle of the Bulge iBastogne, Belgium. He then served with the U.S. Forces that crossed the Rhine River at Remagen, Germany using the damaged but still usable Ludendorff Bridge. This was the first time Allied forces crossed into Germany. He earned a Bronze Star, serving 1944 to 1949. A Funeral Mass for Mr. Leach will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Church in Royalton. Burial with military honors will be at the St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Cemetery east of Royalton. Visiting hours are from 5 to 8:00 p.m., Friday at Vantrease Funeral Home in Royalton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Leach are suggested to the Central Illinois Honor Flight, 712 East Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401.