Obituary of Russell Leighty

Russell ‘Rus’ Leighty, 88, of Springdale died November 12, 2024 with his wife and daughters by his side.

Visitation will be held 1:30 to 3:30 P.M. Saturday November 16, 2024 at the Henderson Barker Funeral Home in West Branch with funeral services to be held immediately following at 3:30 P.M.

Russell was born September 9, 1936 in Tipton, Iowa the son of Roy and Genevieve Schwitzer Leighty. He was a graduate of Tipton High School, Class of 1954. He enlisted in the Army and proudly served 1955-1958.

Upon returning home from the Army, he met his wife of 63 years. He and Mary Jo Holdeman were married August 27, 1961. They bought and moved into their first home and resided at Johnson’s Trailer Court in Iowa City.  In 1964 they bought a home and moved to Springdale where they raised their 3 daughters and still reside today.

He worked as a licensed union electrician for many years, retiring in October 1998. He was a proud member of the IBEW Local Union 145.

He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their events over the years. Rus and Jo enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, and time with friends around the campfire. He was everyone's phone-a-friend when they needed electrical advice.

Survived by his wife Jo of Springdale; daughters Lisa (Bruce) Browning of West Liberty, Kathy (Bobby) Knoop of West Branch, and Amy (Troy) Budreau of West Branch; grandchildren Bryce (Lizzie Imm) Browning, Abby Knoop, Mitchell Knoop, Brady Knoop, Kristen (Taylor) Westpheling, Amanda Budreau, and Jeremy Budreau.

He will be missed by many.