Russell ‘Rus’ Leighty, 88, of Springdale died Nov. 12, 2024, with his wife and daughters by his side.
Visitation was held 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch with funeral services held immediately following at 3:30 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.
Russell was born Sept. 9, 1936, in Tipton, 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 Aug. 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 three 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.
Custom obituary