Leighton Douglas Brown

Leighton D. Brown, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Centra Care Hospital in St. Cloud. 

Leighton grew up in Grove City, MN. After graduating he joined the U.S. Air Force, spending his final year stationed in Vietnam. Following his military service, he began working with Johnson Brothers Construction, which brought him to Alexandria in 1967 as a heavy equipment operator for the groundwork on the 3M plant.

 In September of 1968, Leighton and Elaine married settling in Alexandria where they raised their two children and together they owned Western Lumber. He was deeply grateful to the many contractors and the Alexandria community for over 35 years of business, especially to his valued employees, affectionately referred to as the “Western Lumber Gang”.

He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, motorcycle rides, and especially being with friends, family and his grandkids. One of the biggest highlights of his retirement was the many motorhome trips he and Elaine took together, filled with wonderful memories.

 He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughter Melissa (Chuck) children Cooper, Easton, and Finley; son Nathan children Wesley and Coleman; brother Dennis (Marcia); sister Bonnie Westmiller; sister and brothers-in-law JoAnn and Robert Larson; Roger Simpson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Kenneth and Alva; in-laws William and Dorothy Simpson; sister Annette Pehle; brothers-in law Virgil Pehle and Mark Westmiller; and sister-in-law Marilyn Simpson.

Leighton was a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor, great integrity in his life and business who always found the good in people. A beloved husband, father, grandpa and cherished friend to many.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Building Fund or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.