Paul Elton Leach

Paul Elton Leach, 82, of Prescott, Arizona, died on September 28, 2026, at the Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Prescott Life Church at 10:00 a.m. on October 21, 2026, with Pastor David Groff officiating. The service will be livestreamed (see Services below). Military rites and inurnment will take place at the Prescott National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. on October 21.

Paul was born in Custer County, Nebraska on June 9, 1944. He was the eighth of ten children born to Conrad and Mildred Leach. Paul attended country school until the family moved to North Platte, Nebraska in 1958. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1962 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduation. Paul was an airplane mechanic at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and was honorably discharged after four years of service.

Paul worked a variety of jobs during his career, mostly in sales positions, but his favorite job was being a commercial truck driver. He lived in several locations including Denver, Colorado; Tucson, Phoenix, Chino Valley, and Prescott, Arizona; Houston and San Antonio, Texas; and Edmund and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Paul’s enthusiasm for life was infectious. He brought that zest for life to the many gatherings that came from being part of a large and loving family. His pastimes included horses, automobiles, Husker sports, and pickleball.

In November 2002, Paul married Caroline Rose Armagost. Caroline was the love of Paul’s life. They lived in Chino Valley and Prescott for most of their married life. Hawaii, Southern California, Colorado, and Nebraska were some of their favorite travel destinations. Paul and Caroline loved the Lord and were active in their church community, giving generously of their time and talents.

Paul is survived by his daughter Delyce Maciel, stepdaughter Amy (Craig) Kirston, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Robert Leach, Lavern Leach, and Eddie (Linda) Leach; sisters Carol Traube and Joyce Baars; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife Caroline; brother Darrel Leach and infant brother Dale Leach; sisters Donna Paden and Nola Rosentrater; brothers-in-law Paul Paden, Paul Rosentrater, and Jack Baars; and sisters-in-law Loretta Leach, Lois Leach, and Karla Leach Archer.

Memorial donations may be made to Prescott Life Church or to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the exceptional, caring staff at the VA Community Living Center.