Lyle Charles Leach, whose infectious humor, bright smile and gift for story-telling warmed everyone he met, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on May 28, 2026, at the age of 81. Cause of death was multiple cancers.

Lyle was born in Ludington, MI and raised in Manistee, witnessing many decades of sunsets over the waters of Lake Michigan.

Lyle leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Rose, and their greatest legacies: their children Beverly (Wes) McCullough of Hillsboro, Oregon; Robert Leach of Manistee, MI; and Pam Leach of Hillsboro, Oregon; their six grandchildren – Robby (Holli) McCullough; Elissa (Ben) Bytheway; Nicole McCullough; Bo (Megan) McCullough; Connor Leach; and Josh McCullough; and their six great grandchildren, ages seven years to two months – Raleigh, Emmi, Cassie, Kamryn, Levi, and Lucy. Part of Lyle’s enduring legacy is the life and opportunities each of these loved ones has, and will have, because of the life he and Rose built together. Lyle is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who gave as well as they got when he teased them.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Devere Leach. He is survived by his four brothers – and lifelong partners in mischief and projects- Roger (Bev) of Gaines, MI; Dave (Mary) of Satsuma, Florida; Dennis (Cindy) of Ada, MI; and Larry (Helen) of Manistee, MI.

Lyle graduated from Manistee High School on 1962, and served his country in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967. After returning home from war, this Manistee boy married his Onekema girl, Rosemary Jean Kosiboski, on November 30th, 1968, beginning a beautiful life together built on love, devotion, and family.

Lyle worked at Martin Marietta for 40 years, contributing to a multi-generational family legacy of hard work, integrity and dependability for that employer. He found joy being outdoors, especially bow hunting, and treasured time spent with close friends. His weekly breakfast gatherings and fish fries with some of those friends were among his favorite traditions. Lyle also cherished many years of snow-birding to Florida with Rose.

Lyle had a lifelong love of blueberries, Pepsi, “bird drop” cookies, and black cherry ice cream. Lyle also maintained an impressive collection of camouflage coats and hats, far more than any human could reasonably wear in a single lifetime. He was also known for his steadfast refusal to smile in photographs, both exasperating his children and grandchildren, and making them all the more determined to capture a rare Lyle smile on camera.

Lyle will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and we are profoundly grateful for the time we had with him. Per his wish, cremation has taken place.

The Celebration of Life will take place at Oak Grove Funeral Home, 309 W. Parkdale Rd., Manistee, MI, on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Prior to the Celebration of Life, family and friends are welcome to visit from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the same location. Lyle will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery, with military honors, joining generations of his family in the same Michigan soil he called home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Homeward Bound, or the charity of your choice, in Lyle’s name.

Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Manistee, is in charge of arrangements.

www.oakgrovefh.com