Obituary for Franklin E Leightey

Franklin Eugene Leightey, age 94 of Upper Sandusky, OH passed away on June 8, 2026 at his home.
He was born on March 2, 1932 to Adam J. and Olivia V. (Culver) Leightey who preceded him in death.

He married the love of his life Elaine A. Oman on June 30, 1951 and she passed away on November 6, 2016. They celebrated 65 wonderful years together and were blessed with a daughter Sharon (Douglas) McCartney, Findlay.

He was also deeply loved by two grandchildren Melanie (Brian) Waddle, Springfield and Steven (Cassandra) McCartney, Upper Sandusky and six great-grandchildren Sarah Waddle, James McCartney, Emily Waddle, Katie Waddle, David McCartney and Ellie Waddle.

He is also survived by a brother-in-law David Oman and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sisters Alice Wolf and Donna Mae Ramsey, an infant brother David Leightey, and brother-in-laws Nelson Wolf and Newton Ramsey and sister-in-law Martha Oman.

Franklin graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1950. He received his State Farmer’s Degree in 1949 and his American Farmer’s Degree in 1953, the highest degrees offered by the FFA. He ran track in high school and received many honors and was one of the five basketball players who were runner up in the NOL in 1950. After graduation he farmed and was a US mail carrier.

Franklin was member of Trinity Evangelical United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and was the Sunday School Superintendent for many years.

He was also a referee for basketball. He raised sheep and showed them at the Ohio State Fair and county fairs. He had Grand Champions for 13 years straight at the Ohio State Fair and had Grand Champions at the county fairs as well. He also judged sheep at various county fairs and the Ohio State Fair.

Franklin provided the ram for the mascot for the Upper Sandusky Rams. Franklin and his wife Elaine went to all the football games with the ram and even some basketball games.

He was very proud of his grandchildren and his great grandchildren for all their accomplishments.
He enjoyed going to watch all of them in all of their activities. He will be greatly missed by all of his family.

Funeral Services will be held Sat. June 13, 2026 at 10:00AM at the Trinity Evangelical Church with Pastor Jim Stauffer officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-6PM on Fri. June 12, 2026 at Trinity Evangelical Church, and an hour before the services on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wyandot Cares, Trinity Evangelical Church or Gideons International in care of Bringman Clark Funeral 226 E. Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

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