Johnnie G. Leigh

Johnnie G. Leigh, 97 of Callaway, Nebraska, died Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at the Callaway Good Life Center. Johnnie was born April 27, 1918, in Doniphan, Nebraska, to John and Ella (Dickman) Leigh. Johnnie has lived in Custer County since 1920. He was a 1935 graduate of Callaway High School. Johnnie joined the United States Army on March 5, 1942, where he served during WWII in the European Theater. He served 46 months, 35 of which were spent overseas in North Africa and Italy. He was chosen to be an honor guard when Roosevelt, Churchill, Chiang Kai-Shek, and Stalin met at the Mena House Conference near Cairo, Egypt. Although he never got a leave to come home during that time, he did get rest leaves occasionally, and was able to visit many interesting sites in Africa and Italy. He was honorably discharged on November 25, 1945. He was united in marriage to Dolores Hough on May 26, 1946, in Callaway. This marriage was blessed with a daughter and two sons, Carol, Allan and Larry. The couple farmed east of Callaway near Spring Creek until they retired and moved to town in 1991. Johnnie was a member of the United Methodist Church, the American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He always shared his produce with neighbors and friends. These passions were passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His other loves were playing cribbage and “Knock” with family and friends. He was a kind man with a heart of gold. He enjoyed time with family and family get-togethers. He will be very missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include one son, Larry (Shelley) Leigh of Longmont, Colorado; one daughter, Carol Mason of Callaway, Nebraska; one brother, Delbert (Alma) Leigh of Broken Bow, Nebraska; five grandsons, Johnnie & Justin Mason, and Kendall, Jesse & Brandon Leigh, and one granddaughter, Mary Leigh; thirteen great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Marge Leigh Frederick and husband Orin of Callaway, Nebraska; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dolores in 2006; son, Allan; brothers, Donald, Calvin, Marvin, and Francis Leigh; sisters, Mildred Erickson and Alice Leigh; son-in-law, Gaylen Mason. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Callaway United Methodist Church with Reverend Chad Boling, officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway with Military Honors provided by Bryson-Booker Post #59 in conjunction with the United States Army Military Honors Team. Visitation will be on Friday, August 28, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway. Memorials are suggested to the Callaway Good Life Center. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences with family please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com