Leighton James Stump, 85, Wakarusa, died at 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015 at his residence. He was born Feb. 5, 1930 in Union Twp., Elkhart County, Nappanee, to Carl & Walta (Whitehead) Stump. He graduated from New Paris High School in 1948 and married Arlene (Geyer) Stump on June 6, 1950.
Surviving are his wife, Arlene, sons, David (Cathy) Stump, Goshen, Steven (Barbara) Stump, Wakarusa, Terry (Delores) Stump, Wakarusa, Mark (Stephanee) Stump, Angola, Rex (Jenny) Stump, Wauseon, Ohio, daughter, Diana (Cliff) Graybill, Bremen, grandchildren, Katie (Sam) Reece, Emily Stump, AbbyStump, Tyler Stump,, Andrew Stump, Michael (fiancee, Jennifer) Graybill, Robert Graybill, Sam (Kara) Stump, Libby (Matt) Abberger, Joanna (Alex) Williams, Aaron (Rachel) Stump, Austin (Britny) Stump, Alan Stump, Amanda (Brad) Hartsell, Adam (Ashley) Stump, Jason Stump, Jared (Lindsay) Stump, Jacob Stump, Collin Stump, Carter Stump, Clay Stump, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren, brothers, Owen (Wanda) Stump, Goshen, Kenneth (Bettie) Stump, Upland, Calif., sisters, Naomi Hertzler, Pottstown, Penn., Mary Lou (Vernon) Sheets, Nappanee, Doris (Dale) Huber, Peachtree City, Ga. Preceding him in death are his parents, twin great-grandsons, brothers, Harvey Stump & Ray Stump and a brother-in-law, Melvin Hertzler.
Leighton started as a young man working as a dairy farmer in Union Township. He then worked for several years at the Nappanee Milling Co., both in Nappanee and Foraker. He also worked for Wayne Feeds in Wakarusa and Wyatt Feed & Grain. In 1969, he went to work as a full time grain and livestock farmer in Madison Township. After farming for many years, he then went to work for Hoover Lumber. After retiring, he worked part-time for the Wakarusa Hardware Store and Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa.
Leighton was a faithful, loving husband to his wife, Arlene, for 64 years. He was a wonderful father and example of hard work and service for his Lord, Jesus Christ. He dearly loved ALL his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he enjoyed being around them, generously supporting and helping them out when he could. He was a member of the Bible Baptist Church, Wakarusa, and served in various capacities, including an adult Sunday School teacher, deacon and coach. Leighton loved to watch and play sports. He played softball for many years and also helped coach teams while at the Bible Baptist Church.
Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at the Bible Baptist Church, 205 E. Waterford St., Wakarusa, where the service was held then at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015. Pastor David Harper officiated the service. Burial was held at South Union Cemetery, Nappanee. The family suggests that memorial gifts may be given to the Bible Baptist Church Awana Ministries, P.O. Box 365, Wakarusa, IN 46573, Buckeye Border Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 1111 Arrowhead Trail, Wauseon, Ohio 43567 or United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, 23971 US Highway 33, Elkhart, IN 46517.
Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, were in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com