Dr. Berton Joe Leach, 92, of Cumberland, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Allegany Health Nursing and Rehab.

Born March 30, 1932, in Tuscola, Illinois, he was the son of the late Rev. Howard Leach and Frances Margaret Ann (DeHaven) Leach Stice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Barbara English Leach; step-father, Morris Stice; sister, Betty Haworth (John); brothers, William Leach (Dorothea) and Robert Leach.

Following his graduation from Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri, Berton enlisted in the US Army in 1950. While serving in the Army, he was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal. It was awarded to him for the display of outstanding qualities of leadership best expressing the American spirit - honor, initiative, loyalty, and high example to comrades in arms. As an atomic veteran, he participated in Operation Buster-Jangle, witnessing an atomic bomb detonation in 1951. It was during his military service that Berton received his first formal opportunity to teach. As a leadership school instructor, he embarked on what became, both formally and informally, his life-long vocation.

Following his honorable discharge, Berton earned his BS degree from Washington University, St Louis followed by MA and PhD degrees in Zoology from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He then taught as a faculty member at the George Washington University, Washington, D.C, Central Methodist College, Fayette, Missouri, and Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

In addition to actively teaching, Berton supported his fellow educators, as a civil servant, through his work at the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. In later years, he enjoyed helping others while working at the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Shady Grove, Maryland.

A lifelong golfer, Berton enjoyed playing courses throughout the country with friends, and family. Even into his 90's he enjoyed playing the game with competitive spirit, including at his "home" course at Bel Air National (in his front yard).

Berton is survived by his daughter, Laura Anne Leach; son, Berton Franklin English Leach and his wife, Kari; grandchildren, Erika Boltz, Kate Weiss, Meagan Leach and Berton James Leach; great-grandchild, Dana Joy Boltz; and sister, Barbara Leach-Stone.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Highway, Cresaptown on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael McGowan officiating.

Interment will be in MD State Veterans Cemetery, Rocky Gap. Military honors will be accorded by the Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers or memorial, the family asks that you please be generous to those you love, as Berton modeled for us.