Leighton Bernard Reed was born on November 11, 1945 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas to Alfred and Eula Mae Reed. Leighton passed from this life and into his glorious eternity on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Leighton was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was the third of four children; Logan, Olen, and Alfa Mae Fell, who were awaiting him in Heaven. Leighton was a proud lifelong resident of Kansas, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school and raised his family. After high school, he attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah before beginning his career as a welder with the local 798. Leighton had an unparalleled work ethic, with a skill set reaching far beyond pastoring. This included welding, carpentry, and homebuilding. Leighton was often called on for help in many capacities, and he proudly used his many talents to bless others, thus making him a bright pillar of the community.

Leighton met Linda Jones of Rose in 1965 at his grandfather, Poppy Reed's church. The two were married in 1967 and traveled across the United States while Leighton worked on the pipeline. They eventually settled back home in Kansas, Oklahoma where they bought a farm and built chicken houses. It was on that farm that they raised two children, Brent and Aaronessa. Leighton began teaching Sunday school at the Holiness Church of Kansas and later he and Linda took over full time pastorship for his grandfather Poppy. They later named it The Galilean Church, where he pastored for 45 years, right up until the time of his death. Leighton retired from full time pastoring on November 29th, 2023 when he bestowed the duties and honor of pastorship on to his dedicated daughter-in-law, Susan Reed.

Leighton was especially proud of his grandchildren: Alexandria and husband Kevin Smart of Owasso and Isaiah Reed of Siloam Springs, and his three great-grandchildren, Elisha, Sophia, and Dashiel. He loved his family, extended family, and those that became family. He discipled many through the years and no doubt left an indelible mark on the lives of all.

The pages of his successes and accomplishments are far too great to be recorded here; nonetheless, Leighton will be remembered for his giving spirit, impeccable work ethic, infectious laugh, warm embrace, and unwavering love for God.