Arthur "Art" Burtis Leach III, 69, of Springfield, MO, passed away March 28, 2020. He was born August 7, 1950, in Kane, IL, to Arthur and Anne Leach.

Art served in the United States Navy.

Art loved nature and possessed great knowledge of all God's creatures, whether they flew, crawled or swam.

Art was known for his kindness, gentleness, generosity and free spirit. His idyllic life would have been to live in Florida's Everglades, as he had done earlier in his life.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Anne Leach of Monterey, CA; his brother, George Leach and wife Kathy of Eagle, WI; and long time friend, LuAnne Post of Springfield, MO.

There will be a memorial service later. Memorial donations may be made to Defenders of Wildlife.