Keith Leighton

Keith Leighton, 89, of Decatur, MI passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2020 at Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw, MI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Newell Chapel, 83313 M51, Decatur, MI with Rev. Katie Hartwell officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Decatur American Legion Post #309 and the United States Air Force. Due to COVID-19 and in respect of social distancing, masks will be required. Friends may visit with the family Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Decatur Athletic Boosters. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Keith was born September 5, 1931 in Saugatuck, MI to Merle “Red” & Ruth (Calbetzor) Leighton. He graduated from Decatur High School. He then served his country in the United States Air Force from 1950 until 1954. On September 4, 1951 he married Loretta Osborn in Decatur. Keith worked as a Self-Employed Painter, until taking a position with the J.L. Manta Company, where he worked his way up to Job Superintendent, running Painting Jobs all over the country. He also served as the Mayor of Decatur and was a volunteer firefighter for many years. Keith was an avid Decatur Raiders fan and enjoyed watching all his grandchildren’s sporting events and other special activities including those at Lawton, Schoolcraft and South Haven. In his spare time, he enjoyed rooting for the University of Michigan, gardening, going for walks and bird watching. First and foremost, Keith was a devoted family man and always considered his “Family First”. Keith is survived by his children, Cathy (John) Duda of South Haven, Michael (Nancy) Leighton of Decatur, Matthew Leighton of Schoolcraft, Julie Leighton of Decatur and Gordon (Marisa) Leighton of Lawton; grandchildren, Amber, Jon, Keith, Amy, Michael, Parker, Kennedy, Karson, Lee, Ashley, Danielle, Derek, Brandon and Luke; 13 great-grandchildren; and sisters Linda & Barb. He was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; parents; daughter-in-law, Trisha Leighton; and siblings Shirley, Jack and Gordon.