On May 2, 1960 at 11:29 pm, Sheriff Leo Church was returning from official business in Jefferson City when he was involved in a fatal accident on Highway 30 three miles south of House Springs. Sheriff Church was traveling eastbound on the highway when a westbound car swerved into the eastbound lane striking Sheriff Church's patrol car head-on. Both drivers were killed in the accident. Sheriff Church had checked in with the dispatcher by radio three minutes prior to the accident as he had returned to the county. Troopers reported that there were no witnesses to the accident.

Sheriff Church served as sheriff for eight years and was formerly police chief in Crystal City. His wife, Helen Church, was appointed Sheriff to finish his un-expired term.

Sheriff Church, a WWII veteran, was survived by his wife and two children. Interred: Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.