George Thomas Leigh, age 68, went to his heavenly reward on April 2, 2021, at St. Catherine hospital in Garden City, Kansas, after a brief illness. George was born July 23, 1952, in Ulysses, Kansas, to William A. (Bill) Leigh and Helen M. (Robinson) Leigh.
George grew up in Ulysses and graduated from Ulysses High School in 1970. For a few years, he went out into the world and served his country as a Marine, after which he went to school in Minnesota to learn diesel mechanics. He came back home to assist his parents as his Dad’s health declined. He married Jeannette (Fast) Leigh on June 14, 1996. They would have celebrated 25 years this June.
He came to the saving knowledge of Jesus as his Lord and Savior in the mid-eighty’s. He was baptized and joined the Ulysses Mennonite Brethren Church. In September 2009, he joined fellowship with the Country View Baptist Church and found various avenues of service there; especially enjoying men’s fellowship activities.
George learned and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his Dad and several long-time friends in his youth. Over the years, he was a member of the Kiwanis and the Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79.
He worked for various construction companies around Ulysses before he established his own company, George’s Diesel Service. He worked at that until various physical ailments required “easier” work. For 18 years he worked for the local John Deere dealership, known as Grant County Implement, then Cornerstone Sales Inc., then American Implement. He was a respected and industrious heavy equipment truck driver for 10 years before he retired in 2014.
George found joy in helping neighbors and friends in the community. Retirement really wasn’t retirement for him. He was a care giver and reached out to many, and was a member of several coffee drinking social groups. In the last couple of years, he temporarily lived in Oklahoma to give loving care to his four youngest grandchildren.
George is survived by his wife, Jeannette of the home; his brother, Charles and wife Paula Leigh of Canyon, Texas; his sister, Etta Friesen of Lynden, Washington; three children, Cory Craddock of Bixby, Oklahoma; Shawna Prather and husband Scott of Campbell, Texas; and Joseph Leigh of Hutchinson, Kansas; daughter-in-love, Rachel Craddock of Bixby, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Levi Prather, Shaina Podner and husband Bradley, Ashley, Ethan, Blake and Charlotte Craddock; one great-grandson, Samuel Podner; five nephews, three nieces, and ten great-nieces and great-nephews.
George was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Susan (Leigh) Siebert; and one nephew, Charlie Leigh.
Memorial service will be Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kansas, with Pastor James Berry officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the Gideon’s in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com
