Robert Hale Leach, 70, of Russell Springs, died Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset.
Born on Saturday, September 22, 1956, in Somerset, he was a son of the late Mac and Geraldine Hale Leach. Robert was a retired transportation director for the Russell County Board of Education with over 20 years of service. Along with his wife, Sandy, he was also a part-owner/operator of the Key Twin Cinema for 31 years. Robert was a self-taught man; he could accomplish anything he set his mind to, and do it right. He enjoyed auto-body repair work, woodworking, and bulldozer/heavy equipment work. He loved his family, and enjoyed family events and get-togethers. Robert had a kind and giving heart; always willing to lend a helping hand for anyone who needed help. He was a former, long-time member and president of the Russell County Jaycees, and attended Oak Grove Separate Baptist Church.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Higginbotham Leach, of Russell Springs, whom he wed on June 30, 1979; his sister, Robin (and Rob) Surprenant, of Katy, Texas; his brother, Craig (and Sunni Gayle) Leach, of Russell Springs; nephews, Alex Giammaruti, of Houston, Texas, Brandon Leach, of Russell Springs, and Josh (and Lauren) Higginbotham, of Russell Springs; and great-niece and great-nephew, Treyt Higginbotham and Oakley Higginbotham.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Bernard Funeral Home with Brother Kenny Kimbler and Brother Darrin Blair officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Brandon Leach, Alex Giammaruti, Josh Higginbotham, Mitchell Richards, Timmy Antle, and Tyler Antle.
Honorary pallbearers are Daren Johnson, Mickey Garner, Danny Voils, and Dwayne Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations of sympathy be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, Kentucky 42503. Donations can also be left at the funeral home.
The Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs is in charge of arrangements.