Bob Leighton was born on a farm in southern Gove County on Sept 12, 1922 to Bill and Edna (Gregg) Leighton. He left his earthly garden for the heavenly one on May 18, 2020.   He was planting tomatoes in his garden and the Lord decided he needed someone to pull weeds  and help with the planting.

When he was a boy, he "cowboyed".  He worked many hours in the field.  After suffering a back injury in a runaway accident in 1928, his father bought a 10-20 International tractor and said, "We aren't working horses anymore". Bob rode in his first rodeo in Oakley in 1935. He rode 11 cows and was paid $1.00 a head which was a lot of money then!!

Bob was drafted into the Navy in August, 1943 after his agricultural  deferment expired. He, Elmer Bittel, Winfred Inloes, and Elvin Jamison went into the Navy at the same time. He took his basic training at Farragut, Idaho.  Most of his service time was on an "APA" ship, named"USS Brookings".  The money to build the ship was raised in Brookings, South Dakota.  He served on the USS Brookings from December 1943 until April 1946.  He was a baker, Seaman 1st Class.

Bob loved a good race whether it was a good horse or his kids or grandkids. He loved a good game of cribbage and a good coon dog.  In the later years,it was a cattle dog and a good fishing trip.  He loved coyote hunting and talking about it.  He enjoyed a good rodeo, and got to go to the National Finals a few times.

Bob went back to farm with his Dad.  There was nothing that upset him more than poorly cared for livestock, especially  cattle.  He loved and cared for his livestock.

He married Helen Foster Jan.5, 1947, raising Yancy, Randy, Bobby Carmen, and RW.  He will also be greatly missed by 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife;  3 sisters; a daughter-in-law; 2 grandsons; and 2 great granddaughters.

Bob was close friends with many community members, and enjoyed visiting either in person or on the phone.

Burial took place at Utica Cemetery, Utica.