Gale Richard Leighty

weeks short of his 92nd birthday.

Born in 1927 in Macomb, IL, Gale was the second of three children to Verne and Verna (nee

Morey) Leighty. In 1950, he married Anna Lou Melvin in the now-historic Pocahontas, AR

courthouse, spending the next 68+ years by her side.

Gale is survived by his family, including his wife, children Rick, Rusty (Diann), Roxie Striplin

(Jim), and Randy (Melyssa), seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many friends, and

countless friends of his kids and grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings

Leona M Myers and James Q Leighty.

Growing up in Walnut Grove, Il, Gale graduated from Bushnell High School. He attended Coyne

Electrical School in Chicago, IL, becoming a Certified Electronics Technician in 1954, and

starting his career as a television repairman with Sears Roebuck & Co in Macomb. In 1969, the

Leightys moved to Phoenix, AZ, where Gale became the in-house television technician for

Doctors Hospital on the site where Phoenix Children’s Hospital now stands. Gale eventually

retired as a senior biomedical technician with Humana Hospital Phoenix in 1991.

Gale was an avid fisherman and accomplished bowler and enjoyed both activities throughout his

life. His favorite pastimes, however, were playing cards with friends and family and spending

time with his children, grandkids, and the greats.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be scheduled at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 719 North 27th

Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009.