Edwin C Leichty

Edwin Clifford Leichty of Wayland, IA, entered the presence of his Savior on April 27, 2025. He was born on February 21, 1926, on the family farm in Noble, IA, to Henry Edward and Leona Rachel (Miller) Leichty. On November 5, 1950, he was united in marriage to Jean Frances (Scarff) at Bethel Mennonite Church in Wayland, IA. Together they were blessed with six children: Sidney, Barry, Nancy, Nanette, Scott, and Lisa.

Throughout his life, Ed held many jobs, but he especially loved what he called “dirt work.” He built some of the finest terraces in Montgomery County, installed tile on numerous farms, and, alongside his son Sid, donated his services to build soccer fields at Faith Baptist Bible College.

Those who knew Ed will remember his outgoing personality and remarkable “gift of gab”—he once famously called a wrong number and ended up talking with the stranger for over an hour. Ed was also known for his fondness for unique ties and, most importantly, his deep and abiding love for the Lord.

Ed’s passion for serving others was rooted in his unwavering faith. He often welcomed missionaries into his home, faithfully gave of his time and resources, and was always ready to share the gospel with anyone he met. His life stood as a testament to the importance of spreading the message of salvation. Ed would not want this to be a time of sorrow—he is with the Lord! Instead, he would want this moment to focus on the Savior he trusted and to encourage all to recognize their need for a risen Savior. His greatest wish was for everyone to experience the same joy and peace he found through his relationship with Christ.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Leona Leichty; his daughter, Lisa (Leichty) England; grandson, Aaron Brown; great-grandson, Jeremiah Keatts; infant sister, Verda Mae; brothers, Ellis and Marion Leichty; and sister, Lois Hochstetler.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Jean Leichty; children: Sidney, Barry (Joanie), Nancy (Barry) Sellergren, Nanette (Ken) Brown, and Scott (Kim) Leichty; son-in-law, Todd England; grandchildren: Faith Leichty, Hilary (Joshua) Keatts, Nate (Lindsey) Sellergren, Brooke (Jeremy) Carter, Sara (Donovan) Yoder, Reid (Jessie) Leichty, Eric Brown, Tyler (Jessica) Leichty, Katlin Leichty, Hunter (Katelyn) England, and Lauren England; ten great-grandchildren; several cherished brothers and their spouses; a sister; and many nieces and nephews.

Per Ed’s wishes, a private family interment will take place at Bethel Church on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Independent Bible Church in Wayland, IA, with Pastor Ben Linville officiating. A light lunch for family will follow. The service will be livestreamed on the Beatty-Peterseim Facebook page and YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Independent Bible Church for future designation