GUILFORD – Vergil B. Leighton, 86, also known as “Papa,” died April 18, 2011, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born Sept. 8, 1924, in Willimantic, son of Clifford and Myrtle (Hill) Leighton Sr.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. during World War II. He was a member of Connor Trafton American Legion Post, Guilford, and was a member of Guilford United Methodist Church. In his younger years Vergil and his first wife, Trudy were avid campers, and loved traveling around the state. He also enjoyed watching baseball. For many years Vergil worked as a night supervisor at Hardwood Products Co., Guilford.
He is survived by his wife, Janet (Race) Billington Leighton of Guilford; a son and his wife, David and Diane Leighton of Dover-Foxcroft; a daughter and her husband, Pamela and Bruce Dantzler of New York; two brothers and their wives, Alton and Marilyn Leighton, and Clifford and Gloria Leighton, all of Guilford; five grandchildren, Gretchen, Eric, Kimberly, Laura and Andrew; six great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Austin, Dylan, Emily, Kyrstin and Gabe; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Gertrude (Schultz) Leighton; a brother, Elwin; and a sister, Evelyn Demmons.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Guilford United Methodist Church with Pastor Stephen Dean officiating. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Crosby & Neal, 21 Oak St., Guilford. Burial will be later in the spring at Lawn Cemetery, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to Community Health and Counseling Service, 1093 West Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. For an online guest register, go to
www.crosbyneal.com.