John R. Leigh

John R. Leigh, Sr. of Abilene, Texas died Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Abilene Regional Medical Center with his children by his side. He was 75 years of age. Born in McKinney, Texas on September 8, 1938, he was one of five children born to Alvin and Mary Leigh. A funeral service will be held at Hamil Family Funeral Home at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, Texas at 1pm on Saturday, February 22nd, followed by a graveside memorial service at Buffalo Gap Cemetery. Friends are welcome to join the family at John’s residence following the graveside service. He is survived by daughters Sandra Molinar of Abilene, Texas, Susan Elgin and husband Mitch of Tuscola, Texas, son John R. Leigh, Jr. and wife Monica of Katy, Texas; grandchildren Brittany Molinar Scott, Chance Elgin, and Corbin Elgin; and great granddaughter Conleigh Jade Scott. He is also survived by sister Patsy Willis and husband Jimmy of McKinney, Texas, brother George Leigh and wife Pamela of Denton, Texas and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dot” Leigh, his parents, and his sisters Helen Mahard and Mary Sue Egan. John was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He possessed a proud and independent spirit, a warm and generous heart, and a passion for hard work. He was loved by his family and friends, and known by his associates as a kind and honorable man. John was the owner and proprietor of V-Bar Machine and Equipment, Co. in Abilene for the last 18 years. Prior to that, John owned and operated Leigh Metal Coating and Machining, Inc. in Odessa, Texas where he and Dot raised their family. He was an entrepreneur who supported his fellow business owners, maintaining close ties with other local businesses and fostering the growth of the hard working people he came to know and respect. To his family, his friends, and all who met him he was a strong presence – a bright light, a wise and patient mentor, a fiercely loyal friend. The world is made less by his loss, but we are better for having known him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to one of John’s favorite charities: Meals on Wheels Plus - P.O. Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604 The American Cancer Society – 3402 North 1st Street, Suite 102, Abilene, TX 79603 Family and friends are invited to leave condolences by email at: johnleighmemorial@gmail.com