Leighton Leo Broxterman

Leighton Leo Broxterman, 83, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS, after a courageous fight with an extended rare illness with his family by his side.

Leighton was born on August 15, 1942, to Lawrence and Rosalia (Rochel) Broxterman in Axtel, KS. He graduated from Baileyville High School in 1960 and, upon graduation, he joined the Army National Guard. In 1964, he started his employment at Santa Fe Railroad, while also attending Clarks Business School in Topeka.

On June 8, 1968, he was united in marriage to Peggy Pretz at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lillis, KS. This union was approaching 58 loving years together and was blessed with 3 wonderful children: Amy, Eric, and Mark. He was a dedicated husband and an involved father, always participating in his children’s activities, coaching, and serving on the school’s athletic committee

In 1971, Leighton graduated from Washburn University, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with minors in chemistry and physics. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to Chicago, IL, with Santa Fe Railroad, and in 1996, relocated to Fort Worth, TX, as part of the Santa Fe and Burlington Northern Railroad merger. Upon retirement in 2004 after 40 years of service as a well-respected General Director of Labor Relations, he and Peggy moved back to Topeka, KS to be near family.

He gained much fulfillment being active playing on a senior softball team, volunteering across multiple organizations such as VITA tax consultants, Let’s Help, and the Salvation Army. He was also devoted in his catholic faith by contributing as a senior altar server for funeral masses and providing adoration at Christ the King Church (Topeka, KS), participating as a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 8411 (Topeka, KS) and delivering communion to those home bound, while a member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church (Southlake, TX). He enjoyed playing card games, sudoku, attending his grandchildren’s activities, spending time with family/friends, and traveling (visited all 50 states). Not one to miss a good time, his presence also always brought laughter, joy, and good chuckle or two to all.

Despite his long journey of declining health, he always maintained a positive attitude and held strong to his faith. Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment and every memory we were blessed to share with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters (Juanita) of Baileyville, KS, and Lois (Al) Martin of Lennon, MI.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; daughter, Amy (Sean) Donahue of Wamego, KS; son, Eric (Kelly) of Galena, OH; son, Mark (Angela) of Austin, TX; and 10 grandchildren, Caitlin (Gabe Roberts), Caroline, Colin, Carys Donahue; Jack, Mark, Elle Broxterman; Jacob, Madeline, Declan Broxterman; his sister, Laberta Heiman (Ed - deceased) of Mesa, WA; sister, Janette Michael (Gary – deceased) of Maple Hill, KS; sister, Nila Jean Sloan (Gerry – deceased) of Panama City, FL; brother, Alan (Charlene) Broxterman of Overland Park, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation to honor Leighton's life will be held on Monday, April 20, at Christ the King Catholic Church from 9:00 to 10:30 am, followed by a Rosary at 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at 2:45 pm at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, KS.

The family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or Midland Hospice, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

On behalf of the family, we want to thank everyone for your many acts of kindness shown to us through your thoughts, deeds, and presence.