John McGee Leggett Jr

John McGee Leggett, Jr., 97, went home to be with his Lord on April 20, 2026, following a brief illness and time in hospice, with his son and family at his side.

Born April 22, 1928, in Seattle, Washington, John lived a life grounded in faith, service, and devotion to others. He was the son of John McGee Leggett and Rena Leola (King) Leggett.

On June 7, 1949, he married Dottie Joyce Ashley. Together they shared 65 years of marriage until her passing in 2014.

John was a lifelong learner, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Washington and later a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Ordained to the ministry in 1956, he served Baptist congregations across Washington, Wisconsin, Ohio, Nebraska, and Iowa. Over the course of his ministry, he officiated at more than 100 weddings and funerals and performed 177 baptisms, quietly shaping countless lives through his pastoral care and steady presence.

He is survived by his children:

Joseph (Wendy) Leggett of Sioux Falls, SD;

Jerry Leggett (Patsy Ferrell) of Tubac, AZ;

Jeffrey Leggett of Cedar Rapids, IA;

and Joyce (David) Grigg of Sun Prairie, WI;

his sister, Clara Geiger of Seattle, WA;

along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dottie; sons John and James; and other cherished family members.

John will be remembered for his steady faith, gentle presence, and a life devoted to serving others. He combined a deep faith with a deeply inquisitive mind, guided by honest questions and an openness to growth and change.

Burial will take place at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Juda, Wisconsin. His family will gather for a Celebration of Life at a later date.