November 17, 1938 - April 19, 2025

Boyd Lee Leighow, 86, of Kansas City, KS, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025.  The celebration of life will be on Saturday, May 10, at Wyandotte United Methodist Church, 7901 Oakland Ave., Kansas City, KS.  The Celebration of Life Ceremony will start with visitation at 1:00pm, with service at 2:00pm. 

Boyd was born on November 17, 1938, in Kansas City, KS, the only child of Norman and Edith Leighow. Boyd was always proud of his work with the Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout in 1956, and became a Scoutmaster in 1962. 

Boyd was a graduate of Washington High School and received his Associate Degree from Pittsburg State University in printing.  He was a linotype operator for many years until he shifted his attention to the teaching of graphic arts and printing in 1980 at the Olathe Area Vocational School.  He retired from there in 1999. 

Boyd was a charter member of Wyandotte Methodist Church.  He and his parents were instrumental in the starting of the church and he was a faithful member his entire life. He was a Sunday School teacher and youth group leader in his early 20’s, and in fact, that was how he met and was smitten by his student and future wife, Joanna.

He was a chairman of every committee from the Administrative Board to Men’s club at one time or another.  Boyd was a singer.  Whether it was in the church choir, the Glory Generation Singers, or the Old Dogs in Texas, his bass/baritone voice could always be heard.  He and Joanna were Crusader Class members from its inception to now. 

Boyd was always busy.  He was a major car enthusiast who always worked on cars with his father.  This led to him making and designing his own dune buggy which he was proud to drive whenever weather permitted.  That evolved into his next love, which was buying and selling motorcycles and motor homes.  He was never happier than when he was “wheeling and dealing!” He was a huge rock hound who thought nothing of traipsing over hill and dale to find and drag back the perfect rocks.  That led both Boyd and Joanna to take up lapidary and silver and gold smithing, a hobby that lasted for many years.  He was an avid lover of Jayhawk basketball, Chiefs football, traveling and sailing.  When Boyd and Joanna decided to build their own home, Boyd took classes in electrical and plumbing so that he could do the work needed. He was the ultimate do-it-your-selfer. 

Boyd and Joanna were winter Texans.  They spent 20 years dividing their time between Kansas and Alamo, Texas. There he took up leadership roles of Chairman of the Drone Club and the Wood Carving Club, and a singer of the Old Dogs Group at Alamo Palms.  He was a regular at the early morning “Table of Knowledge” coffee group and was especially fond of driving on the beach at South Padre Island.  You could always find him at the pool and spa.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 64 years, Joanna and daughters Cherilee Highfill and Denise DeBonis, and granddaughter, Ariana DeBonis. In addition, his many friends from church, the neighborhood, and Alamo Palms will miss seeing his smile and laughing at his jokes.  Boyd will be sorely missed.

At his request, his ashes will be spread over South Padre Island, a place he could enjoy spending hours.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorials may be given to the Homeless Ministry of the Full Faith City Church 546 Harrison St., KCMO, 64106 or can also be accessed at fullfaithcitychurch.org