Leighton Maggard (Plainview)

Leighton Holland Maggard went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the age of 96.   Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, Apr. 8 at First Baptist Church Family Life Chapel.  Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. Visitation will be Monday eve from 6 to 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Leighton was born September 4, 1917 in Plainview, TX to Ralph Leighton and Vera Holland Maggard.  When he was 2, the family moved to Okmulgee OK and then back to Lockney TX at 14 where he graduated from in 1935.  He married Doris Jordan of Floydada September 5, 1942.  In 1942 he taught pre-glider school at Finney Field near Plainview.  In 1943 he was teaching students how to fly L-5s at Lamesa. He then was part of the Air Transport Command ferrying planes stateside.  In the years 1944-1945 he was stationed in Karachi India as Flight Operations Officer and Service Pilot in the China Burma India Theater in the Army Air Corps. After the war he formed a partnership with Hall Nall and they started Maggard-Nall Motor Co. in Plainview selling DeSotos.  Through the years they sold Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and GMC trucks.  They were in business 42 years and were able to claim the slogan, “Plainview’s Oldest New Car Dealer.” He was an avid racquet ball player and enjoyed golfing and traveling.  He continued to fly until he was 70 yr. old and kept his Instrument Flight Rating.  His last trip was an Alaskan Cruise at age 90.  Ruidoso was a favorite retreat and they spent several weeks every year at the family cabin. They were members of First Baptist Church and he was a member of the Formby Sunday School Class.  He taught Junior Boys there for 20 years.  He was a member of Texas Auto Dealers Ass’n, the American Legion, VFW, Plainview Country Club, a board member of the YMCA and served as a Director for Hale County State Bank for many years. Leighton is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris, two sons, Ernie Maggard and wife Debbie of Round Rock, David Maggard and wife Beverly of The Woodlands and daughter Judy Schacht and husband Clar of Floydada. Grandchildren include: Lisa Mahady, Reina Zamora, Derek Maggard, Mark Maggard, Michael Maggard, Amanda Lockett, Meredith Campbell and Spencer Schacht.  There are also 8 great-grandchildren and one sister Laura B. Schooler of Plainview. Memorials in Leighton Maggard’s name may be made to First Baptist Church of Plainview, The Senior Citizen Center or a charity of your choice.