Donald Joseph Leath
January 14, 1952 – May 24,2026
Donald Joseph Leath, age 74, of St. Louis, MO passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Don was born on January 14, 1952 in St. Louis, MO. He attended Roosevelt High School in south St. Louis and graduated from Christian Fundamental High School in 1970.
Don was passionate about music and learned to play the guitar at a young age. Over the years, many were touched by the heartfelt way he played and worshipped. He especially loved playing at church and faithfully did so for many years.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many. He will be remembered for his love, his strength, his sense of humor, and the way he made the people around him feel cared for. Above all, Don loved Jesus, and his faith guided the way he lived his life. Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing he is now whole and at peace with the Lord.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar “Buddy” and Mary Leath, his brothers Bob, Bill and Dave Leath. He is survived by his loving family: wife Terry, children Tori (Josh) Shelton, Jordan (Erin) Leath, Mackenzie Leath, Kaylin Leath; sister Linda (Jerry) O’Bryan; grandchildren Miles (Ellie) Shelton, Lila, Ansley and Monroe Shelton, Colten Firebaugh, Silas and Margot Leath, Iris and Jeremiah Leath, Isaac and Vaya Schwartz; extended family and numerous friends.
Services: Visitation at LifeChurch STL (1416 Larkin Williams Rd, Fenton, MO 63026) on Friday, May 29th from 4-8pm. Saturday visitation at 10am, service at 11am. Interment at Shepherd Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to LifeChurch STL are appreciated.
Well Big Daddy, I will miss our coffee time together. When I heard you crossed over, I remembered this worship song we used to sing called “ Free At Last “ Thank God Almighty you’re Free At Last and we will meet again one day soon, Big Daddy 🙏
Terry and Family, Kim and I are so very sorry to hear about Don. I always appreciated his kindness and warmth each and every time I had the pleasure to be with him. I know he will be missed. Our prayer is that God will give you peace and comfort.
I have pictures at Gateway Temple of Don, Joan Warren and her sister Judy singing together. They were teenagers back then. I’m sorry for your loss.
I love you Don you will always be one of my heroes
Love John Saxburry
Sweet kind hearted Don. You are remembered with love. Terry – you and the family are being held in prayer.
I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He traveled & played the guitar for our family; The Coleman Family. He was one of my brother Greg Coleman’s best friends. He will always be a part of the Coleman Family. We love you Don♥️.
I’m so saddened to hear of Don’s passing away. He was an excellent musician and singer and a good friend to me. And of course I loved his great sense of humor and laughter and joy that emulated from him!
Our prayers are for Terri and all of his family and friends!
Roger Skaggs
Dear Terry and family,
Don was on staff when I came to LifeChurch more than thirty years ago. I remember him showing me the video studio and I was so impressed! He was a man of many gifts and talents, which we will truly miss. Don was funny and very kind to me. It is never easy to lose someone we love, no matter the circumstances or amount of time. ❤️
Much love and prayers to all of you,
Vicky McMullan
So many wonderful memories while on staff with Don at Life Christian Center back in the day. Don was the real deal. Always willing to help, always approachable, always pursuing excellence in the music ministry God had called him to. And always making me laugh. His heart for the Lord was a great example to me. Terry, you and the family are in our tear-filled prayers. We love you.
I was privileged to have known Don. He was such a nice kind hearted man. Believed the best in everyone. I had volunteered to work the cameras at the big bldg on 30th. I was clueless and Don was the director and he was very encouraging and patient with me telling me I can do it and I did. I am gonna miss him.
I am praying for you Terry and your family. You are all loved so very much.
My mother and father were best friends with Buddy and Mary Leath. We grew up in the same neighborhoods and at one point even lived in the same house. They lived upstairs from us and we went to the same churches in south Saint Louis as well. I remember when Don got his first guitar and had to restring it because he was left handed. He was so talented and truly had a gift for music. He taught himself to play which was amazing. He would always take a moment and play House of the Rising Sun for me. One of my favorite songs Don used to sing at Gateway Temple was “The Lighthouse”. He was a great friend and a dedicated Christian. Always one of the best dressed guys at church! He was a great role model for kids in our youth group. He was always a Lighthouse for me.
Steve what a great description of true lifetime friendship. We really loved being friends with the whole Broughton family. Many, many great memories 🩷
Many great memories is right! You and Don were a true blessing to our family. Terry and I spent an hour and a half on the phone reminiscing yesterday. Love you and Jerry. I’ll be praying for you both.
Many great memories is right! You and Don were a true blessing to our family. Terry and I spent an hour and a half on the phone reminiscing yesterday. Love you and Jerry. I’ll be praying for you both.
Terry we keep you in our prayers , so sorry hear about Don .
Don was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. He will be greatly missed. My love to Terry and the family.
Love, Michelle Polanc Wilkinson, and family.
To the family, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Don, yet I rejoice with you knowing he is with our Savior. I will never forget the way Don showed up for my family with such love, kindness, and faithfulness. He was truly an extraordinary man of God who loved people deeply and served so selflessly.
I will always cherish the moments we shared in ministry and worship together. Thank you for allowing so many of us the blessing of knowing and being impacted by him. His life leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and service.
Please know I am praying for your hearts and minds as you walk through this difficult journey. May God surround you with His peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead.
Love you all dearly.
Danté
What a pleasure to have known Don all these years and at times pray 🙏 for him. Always kind, caring man of God, and truly enlightened by his devotion to leading others to worshiping God. 🎶 Eternal life, how sweet it is ‼️
Terry and family may you continue to be strengthened and comforted by Jesus.🙏❤️
Mrs. Margaret Baker (Min)
You were my best friend and my brother I will greatly miss you , I will see you on the other side .
I have always held Don & Terry in highest regard. They were a wonderful team together as they brought people into the Presence of God through worship. Humble, gracious, kind and full of good fruit are just a few things that immediately come to mind when I think of them. Though this tribute is for Don, I can’t utter one without the other – Don & Terry were some of the best examples of genuine Christian kindness and love. My heart and prayers go out to Terry and the entire family. ❤️🙏
Well buddy, I guess you will be playing that big Fender Telecaster in the sky. Thanks for always being there for me. I’ll be thinking about you. Love ya
Don I loved all our time together through the years. U and your family were such good people/friends. I hate we lost touch through the years, but I know someday we will see each other again. Maybe seeing u play that guitar left handed..
Until later buddy..
Dan
Terry and Family,
It is clear from the countless comments shared about Don that words are simply inadequate to fully express what he meant to you his family, his friends, coworkers, fellow believers, and even those who knew him only casually. The tributes that have been written are just a small reflection of the many people whose lives were touched by him and who feel the same admiration and gratitude. What a remarkable man. What a true class act.
We all understand that behind every person who makes such a profound impact on others is a strong and faithful support system—family and friends who encourage, uplift, and often sacrifice so that others can benefit from the gifts and calling of the one they love. This is especially true in ministry. I do not believe Don ever took your love, support, and sacrifices for granted.
Terry, I’m sure everyone would echo these sentiments and thank you and your family, and his closest friends (Al, Larry, Jack, and others) for walking beside Don throughout his life. Thank you for being there during the road trips, the ministry opportunities, the music, and all the pursuits that filled his days. Don was an incredible example to so many—a cherished friend, a gifted worship leader, one of the finest guitarists I have ever known, and so much more. Yet behind all of that stood a family and close friends who helped shape, encourage, and support the man we all came to know and love. You were an essential part of his story.
Thank you for sharing Don with all of us. Thank you for being such an important part of a life that so beautifully reflected the love, grace, and faithfulness of God. Please know that you have our deepest condolences, our love, and our prayers. Don will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Like it says in 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, Don never lost heart. He faithfully endured the light and momentary troubles of this world, keeping his eyes fixed on what is eternal. Today, he is experiencing the glory we all long for and anticipate. Don has now seen with his own eyes the promises he spent a lifetime believing and proclaiming.
We love you all, are praying for you, and are celebrating with you the incredible life of Don Leath. May God comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
With love and prayers,
Joe and Cindy Tucker
Great guitarist, great guy, great friend who will be truly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry and all the family! Love, Rob & Teresa Jones
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about Don!! He was such a fine young man!!! He was such a fine example of what a Christian should be!
My Mom and Dad and your Mom and Dad were best friends!! Both our families have so many memories of being together!! When you all lived upstairs from us on Gravois. I will be saying prayers for you and your entire family! I loved hearing you and Don sing! So gifted!