William Leon "Bill" Lightle

William Leon Lightle, lovingly known as Bill, was born on February 7, 1930, in Kirk, Colorado, and passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, just days shy of his 96th birthday.

Bill married the love of his life, Freda Callahan, on April 29, 1961. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children. Bill and Freda met in Eugene, Oregon, where they were introduced by Freda's brother, Hermis-a meeting that led to a lifetime of love and partnership.

In their early years together, Bill and Freda moved throughout Oregon before making a long and meaningful journey back to Colorado in February 1976. They settled in Burlington, Colorado, beginning a new chapter close to Bill's roots and the place he always considered home.

Bill's greatest joy in life was his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. He had an incredible ability to remember facts from days long ago, never missing a detail, and loved sharing those memories with anyone who would listen. A cowboy at heart in every sense, Bill especially loved watching John Wayne westerns, often quoting his favorite lines and admiring the grit, loyalty, and values those films represented.

William Leon Lightle will be remembered for his deep love of family, his remarkable memory, his love of John Wayne, and the cowboy spirit that stayed with him throughout his life. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children, Curt (Rhonda) Lightle, Tami Stevens, and Tina Valenti; his grandchildren, Ashley, Dustin, Shane, Casey, Daryl, Heidi, and Austin; twelve great-grandchildren with one on the way; his sister, Tootie; and his brothers, Dale, Carl, Elmer, and Larry.

Memorial Contributions may be left in the care of Brown Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held Monday February 9, 2026 at 10:00am at Fairview Cemetery in Burlington, CO.