Clifford P. Leighton

Clifford P. Leighton, 97, died Monday April 4, 2022. Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm, Monday, April 11, 2022; Celebration of Life will follow at 1:30 pm, both at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Cliff was born in Alta Vista, KS on November 28, 1924 to A. Walden and Ethel Hope Leighton. He attended a one-room school in Morris County and graduated from High School in Manhattan, KS. In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force. Cliff attended several Radar Schools in the United States and Canada to become a Radar Mechanic, and was deployed to the South Pacific where he flew reconnaissance missions forecasting very Long Range Weather. He obtained an Engineering Degree from Kansas State University in 1950 and was employed at Boeing Aircraft Company for 36 years. He married Margaret and enjoyed a busy life raising four children. His hobbies were varied including fishing, traveling, gardening, woodworking, and photography. Cliff was active in several organizations including Kiwanis, Music Theater, Charter Member of Botanica, University Club, Kansas Orchid Society, and Knife and Fork Club. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and wife. Survived by his children, Trudy Jackel, Cindy (Glenn) Lessenden, Greg (Linda) Leighton, Pat (Randy) Hancock; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st St. N., Wichita, KS 67214.