Robert E. Leigh

Robert was born August 29, 1937, in Kearney, Nebraska, to Edward and Mildred Leigh. He was the second of three children, with an older sister, Barbara, and a younger brother, Richard. Robert graduated from Hardy High School in 1955 and then attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a master’s degree in Administration. It was during his first few years at UNL that he gave his life to Jesus, a decision that shaped the remainder of his life. After graduating college, Robert served in the Nebraska National Guard from 1959 to 1965.

While attending UNL, Robert met Carolyn Rae Boesiger. The two were married on December 13, 1958, and made their home in Springfield, Nebraska. Robert and Carolyn had two children, Christie and Michael. Carolyn passed away following a battle with cancer in March of 1997.

In 1960, Robert began his career as the band instructor at Platteview High School, where he taught for 37 years. He was passionate about music and education and made a lasting impact on generations of students. In 1970, he served as president of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association. In 1985, Robert was inducted into the Nebraska Music Education Association Hall of Fame, and in 1995, he received the Donald A. Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster’s Award.

On May 22, 1999, Robert married Phyllis Olsen, and they made their home in Papillion, Nebraska. Through their marriage, Terri Cook-Hart and her daughter, Claire, became part of the family. Phyllis passed away in May 2022. Shortly after, Robert relocated to Kearney as his health began to decline.

Robert was a member of The Gideons International and enjoyed singing with the Pathfinders Chorus barbershop group in Fremont for many years. He was also a die-hard Husker fan and enjoyed attending games whenever he could.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred Leigh; his sister, Barbara; and his wives, Carolyn and Phyllis.

He is survived by his brother, Richard, and wife, Sharon, of Winter Park, Florida; brother-in-law, Robert Wells, of Clearwater, Florida; children, Christie Thomas and husband, Greg, of Lincoln, and Michael Leigh and wife, Brenda, of Kearney; and stepdaughter, Terri Cook-Hart and husband, Robert Hart, of Missouri.

He was Grandpa Bob to his grandchildren, Jacob (Rachel) Thomas, Lucas (Raquel) Thomas, Andrew (Vanessa) Thomas, Michelle (Matt) Fritz, Rachel (Gianni) Hernandez, Matt Leigh, and Claire Cook; and his great-grandchildren, Reese, Leanor, Obadiah, Winston, Milo, Larson, Marigold, Malik, Maverick, Juliana, and Emilia.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2026, at Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. The family will receive visitors from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials are suggested to The Gideons International.