Robert "Bob" James Leshe, 82, passed away on March 17, 2016 at his home in Palm City, FL, where he lived with his son Bill and daughter-in-law, Karen.

Bob was born in Pueblo, CO on April 5, 1933. On August 27, 1955 he married his "Everything" Kathy "Sissy" Huffman Leshe and settled in St. Louis, MO where together they raised their family for 30 plus years. In 1986, having raised all of their children, he and Kathy moved to Vero Beach, FL where they resided for nearly 30 years. His beloved wife Kathy passed away in 2007 and in 2013 he moved to Palm City, FL.

Bob loved the Marine Corps and served his country proudly from 1953 to 1955 as a United States Marine aboard the USS Philippine Sea during the Korean War. He earned the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged.

He attended St. Louis University and upon his graduation accepted a position with Mobil Oil Corporation. He later accepted a position at Huffman Towing Company where he worked for his father-in-law Robert Huffman and with his beloved brother-in-laws (Bob Huffman Jr., Donald Huffman and John Morrison). In 1969 he ventured out on his own, forming a number of maritime service companies that saw great success under his management as marine executive. He remained active in his businesses throughout his entire life and was greatly loved and respected by all, including his employees. Most notably Mr. Mike Carroll who stood by his side for his entire career.

He was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Palm City, a former member of St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach and Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church in St. Louis. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was a former councilman in Indian River Shores, FL and was involved with the Women's Refuge and the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Vero Beach. His enduring love of the military and those who served called him to support various veterans assistance programs. He also had a soft spot in his heart for troubled young men and as such faithfully supported the Boy's Town program.

He is survived by his children, Linda Clark and husband, Gary, Katherine Carmody and husband Greg (deceased), Robert J. Leshe Jr. and wife Kim, William Leshe and wife Karen, Carole Cohn and husband Matt, Stephen Leshe and wife Laura, James Leshe and wife Sue, John Leshe and fianc Renee Overton, Patricia Darragh, Kathy Kramer and her husband Ted, Debbie Darragh and Kenneth Darragh and his wife, Michele; 25 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren with a 4th due on May 5th. Bob also had a large extended family including the Huffman and Morrison families of St. Louis and the Jagger and Brennan families of Pueblo, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Smith Leshe and his son, Richard Darragh.

Interment and services will be in St. Louis on April 5, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Pillar at 11:00 am; burial following at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either Boys Town or to the United States Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" programs.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Forest Hills Funeral Home, Palm City.
An online registry is available at: www.foresthillspalmcityflorida.com