John Robert Leathers, 83, of Midland, TX passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2016 surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4501 Thomason Drive, Midland, Texas at 10 am Saturday, February 20, 2016.John was born on February 5, 1932 in Shawneetown, Illinois to Carl O. Leathers and Erma Gladys Poole Leathers and grew up in Mill Shoals, Illinois. After graduating high school he joined the United States Air Force as a meteorologist where he served his country for 20 years from 1952-1972. He is a Korean War Veteran and served two tours of duty in Korea. After retiring from the military he worked for the National Weather service in Houston, Longview and Corpus Christi, Texas. During his retirement he has lived in Edinburg, Texas and finally settled in Midland, Texas.John had a life-long love of country music and was an excellent steel guitar player. He has played in numerous bands, including the Goodtimers Band providing countless hours of entertainment at senior citizen’s dance clubs in the area and other musical events. He had numerous hobbies including woodworking and making model airplanes. He loved researching genealogy and traced his family ancestry back beyond the revolutionary war. He was a member of St Paul United Methodist Church where he served as an usher. He has been a volunteer with Meals-on-Wheels, Breaking Bread and the Feast of Sharing.He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Maxine Leathers; his daughter Patty Oeffinger and husband, Kevin; his son Brad Leathers and wife, Michelle; 3 step- children: Mike Marshall, Pat Vincent and her husband Joe Gassie; and Susan Marshall; his grandchildren, Daniel Oeffinger and wife Soomin; Ashley Mowrey and husband, Chad; Kyle Sullivan and wife Tonya; Blake Vincent; Christopher Fogg; Deanna Murri and husband Ryan; and Alex Trowbridge. He also had 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his first wife, Marjorie June (Spencer) Johnson formerly of Fairfield, Illinois.John is preceded in death by his parents and 4 sisters: Genelle Newby, Mary Kathryn Dozier, Frieda Helen Rockett and Pansy Marie Leathers (infant) and one grandson, Shane Marshall.John’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Manor Park and Health South Rehabilitation Centers in Midland as well as the Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans home in Big Spring, Texas. The family sends a special thank you to the incredible staff at Compass Hospice who provided comfort and care during his final days and to his church family.Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 4501 Thomason Dr, Midland, TX 79703 or to the charity of your choice. ,
