Duane Frances Leighton, Sr., 70, passed away October 19, 2017, at the Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer, where he had resided since 2002.

Duane was born January 5, 1947, in Rosebud, SD, to Levi and Angeline (Shaw) Leighton. He attended school at Todd County through the 8th grade; after which he completed high school at Flandreau Indian School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy (with the reluctant, parental consent of his mother) on August 24, 1964. He was deployed to Vietnam and stationed at DaNang. On September 21, 1967, he was honorably discharged as a Seaman SN (E3).

Duane was preceded in death by his father, Levi, mother, Angeline, brothers Keith Sr. and Darrell Sr., and sister, Mary (Leighton) Dillon. Duane is survived by his three children, Sanford Leighton; Guy Leighton (Duane, Jr.); Faye Leighton. He is also survived by sister, Gayla (Leighton) Storhaug, brother Milford (Sparky) Leighton, grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Duane will be remembered as a humorous, good-natured, and kind-hearted individual. Duane will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at Chamberlain-McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.

Committal services will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 26, 2017, at Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer.

The family of Duane would like to express their gratitude to the Custer Regional Care Center, Veteran's Affairs, and all staff and personnel who helped care for him over the years.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer.