Clarence O. "Smitty" Leach, 94, of Martins Ferry, OH, died Monday, November 27, 2017 at his home. He was born August 19, 1923 in Martins Ferry, a son of the late Frank D. Leach, Sr. and Olive (Mills) Leach.

"Smitty" was a retired foreman at the former Picoma Industries and was a Honorary Kentucky Colonel. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps WWII and a recipient of a Purple Heart. "Smitty" was a gunner on the left blister of the Irish Lassie B-29 that was shot down over Japan.

In addition to his parents he was preceded by his wife, Marie S. (Benline) Leach and a brother Frank Leach.

Surviving are his children; Fred (Lee) Leach of Houston, TX and Linda (Ron) Fischer of Pawleys Island, S.C., grandchildren; Hank and Bryan Leach, Carrie Mumford, Richie and Danny Hoadley, great grandchildren; Taylor, Reagan, Sophie, Marissa, Liam, Anna, Riley and Maklan and a sister, Ruth Zoc of Rayland, OH,

Friends will be received Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH where services will be held, Friday, December 1, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Joe Ellis officiating. Entombment follows at Holly Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Pleasant Grove, OH. Military Honors will be presented by the Belmont County Veteran's Association, Friday at 12:45 pm at the funeral home.

Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this posting.