Donald L. Leigh USMC Veteran

On October 21, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas, James and Othel Irene (Willis) Leigh became the proud parents of their second born of three children, two boys and a precious little girl, and two older girls that gave breath to the spoiling of Donald. Donald grew up with two older sisters, E. Jean Carter-Boniface and Bobbie Jane Jones Ballinger, and his eldest brother, Jimmy M. Leigh. Donald grew up with five siblings, where he learned the art of sharing; his parents, food, toys, secrets, knowledge, love, and sometimes switches.  He was blessed with God fearing parents who Instilled the fear of God and the benefits of life dedicated to Him. His father was a hard-working construction worker and a provider. He watched his mother a nurse/caregiver and a father work daily. His mom never failed to take him and his siblings to church services during the week including Sunday School and Bible Study at Greater Pentecostal Church of God In Christ and under their Spiritual Leader, the entire family was faithful members. At an early age he accepted Christ and was baptized. When he grew up and was able, he attended Greater Pentecostal Church of God In Christ with his sister E. Jean Carter-Boniface and his brother-In-Law Joseph J. Boniface.  Donald attended L'Ouverture Elementary School, Junior  High School and graduated from North High School where he excelled In the debate and oratorical team, and had first chair in Music, playing drums, and the flute. He attended Wichita State University where he .played Basketball. In his senior year he told the family his inner spirit was pushing him toward a different path in life. He had so much compassion for his people and country that he Joined the Marine's serving In Vietnam with his older brother Jimmy M. Leigh. After returning home, he suffered health issues resulting from his term In the   military, and spent time at the local VA Hospital. He told the family that he was a faith believer and he must stay busy. He continued in the music field playing his Conga Drums, and the flute in many local events, and was a strong community advocate.  He found a "weak brick" in the foundation of a local Nonprofit Organization H.O.P.E., Inc., which his sister is the Founder/CEO/President and became the mortar in holding the corporate "brick" together. Hosting fundraising events with his brother, Jimmy Leigh and his friends helped support H.O.P.E. Inc:. financially, and assisted in H.O.P.E., Inc's Annual Community Health Fair and Parade, teaching workshops, and anything he could do utilizing his talents to the betterment of the communities.  He always said "I am employed by God", he has written my job description and presented it to me, I will always be In compliance, and he did just that until his transition. He was always giving out Blessings; from personal art collections to his financial blessings. His favorite saying was, "Amen, Hallelujah, I'm Blessed." He always had his days scheduled where there was no interruption, that was his time for meditation and spending time with God. This never changed, even while he was in the hospital and the rehab center. He did not watch TV, and had not watched TV for over 25 years. He was a great writer, and music composer of his Africa Drum music.  Donald later went to spend time with relatives In Atlanta, GA and fell In love and married Ms. Eta Davis. While spending a very short time with his wife in Atlanta, GA., her passing caused him to returned home to Wichita, KS where he continued his community advocacy work, and working with H.O.P.E., Inc. until his transitioning from this side of earth. Donald had always said, I'm not fortunate to have had any children, but God gave me nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents James Leigh and Missionary Othel Leigh; his brother Jimmy M . Leigh;, his Sister Mary A. Leigh-McKeenis; eldest sister Evangelist Bobbie J. Ballinger, and nieces and nephews.

He is survived  by his sister E.Jean Carter-Boniface,; brother-in-law Joseph J. Boniface, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He will truly be greatly missed by all of his family, friends, and community and those whom he has touched their lives.

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