Arthur R. Leach

Age 106 of Pontiac, Illinois, formerly of Morris, Illinois, died Monday, September 7, 2026 at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac.

Born May 1, 1920 in Morris, Arthur Robert was a son of Harry and Ruth (Whaples) Leach. He was raised and educated in Morris and graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 1938. Following High School, Arthur attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois where he completed a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. During his time at Illinois Wesleyan, he was a member and treasurer of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and member of the IWU Swim Team.

Upon completion of studies, Arthur enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably during World War II. His military service was of great significance to him, and he was a decorated Naval Aviator fighter pilot. Arthur served in the Pacific Theater, flying many missions during the invasions of Japan, French-Indo China, and the surrounding Philippine Islands.

Following his military service, he briefly worked for insurance agencies in Hartford, Connecticut before relocating back to Morris. Arthur left a lasting impression on the business community of Morris, as well as Grundy County, for the next five decades. He began his career with Morris Federal Savings and Loan as a Managing Officer, and worked his way up to serving as President from 1967 to 1981. Arthur also represented the banking community by serving on both state and national level committees to create legislation for the banking industry. Outside of his banking career, he was active in the development of homes and subdivisions, insurance and real estate agencies, as well as a number of other notable small businesses.

Arthur's contributions to the community of Morris are far too prolific to list, but he gave much of his time to charitable and community focused efforts. Through his service to the Red Cross, School Board Memberships, Chamber of Commerce and Morris Hospital Donors Association, civic organizations such as Rotary, A.F. & A.M., and the Morris American Legion, in addition to his membership at the First United Methodist Church where he was active for many years, he was a fundamental piece of the development of Morris for most of the 20th century.

Arthur's pride for his community and country could not be more apparent by the way he lived his life. His experiences as a pilot in World War II lived with him his whole life, looking forward to every VF3 Squadron Reunion and actively flying in the Air Show at Pensacola Red, White, Blue week since he turned 100. Though he saw nearly eleven decades, he made the most of all of the years life offered him, and leaves behind a legacy etched in the service he provided to his country, industry, and community.

Survivors include two daughters: Lianne (the late Jim) Moyer of Morris and Gina (Ray) Hoyt of Minooka; four grandchildren: Ashli (Steve) Foresta of Utah, Shelby (Brad) Kapellas of Mississippi, Megan (Mark) Smith of Florida, and Adam Gilbertson of Colorado; five great grandchildren: Colin and Cameron Smith, Sophia (Eder) Avellino, Joey (Abby) Foresta, and Tiege Kapellas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children, Eileen Leach; one daughter, Marka Gilbertson, and his brother, Edwin Leach.

The family will receive friends at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Morris.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Arthur's memory to: U.S.S. Yorktown CV-10 Association, Inc., P.O. Box 1021, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29465.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Arthur’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)