Kevin Leighton, 48

Kevin Wayne Leighton, age 48, of Mendon, died Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Anderson, IN on Dec. 21, 1965 the youngest son of Richard and Norma (Nutt) Leighton. He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1984 and was a former member of the Lake Center Bible Church. Kevin first worked at Grumman-Olsen in Sturgis, and for the past 20 years at American Axle in Three Rivers. He was a member of U.A.W. Local 2093, and attended the Moorepark Community Church. He was married to Marla Alleshouse on Sep. 28, 1996 in Colon. They resided in White Pigeon for six years before moving to Mendon 2002. Kevin was a classic car enthusiast who also enjoyed fishing and working outdoors. He put his family above all else and was always helping others. Many families will benefit from Kevin’s gifts as an organ donor, and can now continue to experience the miracle of life.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Marla; two daughters, Megann and McKenna both at home; his father, Richard Leighton of Mendon; five brothers, Curt (Sonya) Leighton, Danny (Jeanne) Hall, David (Sharon) Leighton, and Robert (Connie) Leighton all of Mendon and Brent (Mary Lou) Leighton of Three Rivers; several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; and by his in-laws, the Alleshouse family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma; and his oldest brother, Michael.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday April 16, 2014 at the Moorepark Community Church, 55701 Wilbur Road, Three Rivers with Pastor Ken Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Mendon Cemetery. Memorials will be directed to the family for an education fund being established for his daughters. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com