Leigh, Edward L., fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church on September 26, 2026, at the age of 99 years – 8 months.
Beloved husband of the late Rosemary Leigh (nee Zeiter), loving father of Daniel (Diane) Leigh, Monica (Michael) Orlando and Bradley (Jackie) Leigh; cherished grandfather of Ryan (Chloe) Orlando, Abigael (James) Sweet, Gregory Leigh, Amanda (Tim) Collico, Michael (Abbie) Leigh and Kenneth (fiancé Jill) Leigh; great-grandfather of Lola, Carson, Clare, Michael, Connor and Nadja; dear uncle, cousin and friend.
It is with deep love that we celebrate the life of Edward Lee, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud World War II veteran. Born on January 12, 1927, to George F. and Emma L. (nee Roberts) Leigh, Edward was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. As the oldest of three boys, he always set a fine example for his younger brothers, Bob and Frank. He grew into a soft-spoken man of quiet strength, deep faith, and an unwavering passion for his family and sports.
A lifelong St. Louis sports fan, Edward was also a natural athlete. He played basketball for the Ram’s A.C. of the Cherokee Community Center—helping lead the team to three undefeated South Side YMCA championships—and played high school baseball and football. During his senior year, duty called. Edward paused his education to enter World War II as a Navy Sailor, proudly serving aboard the USS Card aircraft carrier in the Asiatic-Pacific Arena, where he was awarded the Victory Medal. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to the classroom and the gridiron. He anchored the line as Center for the McKinley High School Goldbugs’ 1946 City League Football Champions, earning a spot on the Globe-Democrat’s All-District Mythical Grid Team and securing a football scholarship to Quincy College.
Though his athletic talents took him to college, his deep devotion to his roots soon brought him home to St. Louis. Edward found the absolute love of his life in Rosemary, and the two were happily married for 70 years. A humble and loving partner, he contentedly let Rosemary take the center of attention, watching with a proud smile as her bright personality lit up the room. Together, they built a life rooted in faith. Edward converted to Catholicism when they married, providing a rock-solid foundation for their three fiercely loved children. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nothing brought him more joy than gathering with his family.
Edward supported his family as an accountant for the Samuel Kraus Construction Company, where he was highly respected and treated like family. Upon retirement, he and Rosemary spent years traveling the USA in their motor home, making lifelong memories with family and their Holiday Rambler camping friends. They especially loved exploring Missouri State Parks and trout fishing, passing down a lasting love for the outdoors to their children and grandchildren.
Following the passing of his wife, Edward eventually moved to St. James, Missouri in 2023 to be closer to his adult children. While continuing to live independently, he thoroughly enjoyed the charm and warmth of the small-town community. In July of 2026, he became a resident of the Missouri Veteran’s Home in St. James, receiving the dedicated care he so richly deserved.
Edward will be remembered as a man of few words but immense presence who never spoke an unkind word. He loved talking sports, watching Cardinal baseball, reading the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, listening to Frank Sinatra, and sharing an Anheuser Busch or an occasional old-fashioned Manhattan with his family. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of service, athletic triumph, enduring faith, and a 70-year love story that will continue to inspire his family for generations.
Services: Funeral from KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL 5255 Lemay Ferrt Rd on Thursday, October 1, 8:30 a.m. to St. Francis of Assisi Church for 9:15 a.m. Mass. Burial J.B. National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. James Missouri Veteran’s Home Assistance League – PO Box 98, Saint James, MO. Visitation Wednesday, September 30, 5-8 p.m.