Dalton E. Leighton

Dalton Enos Leighton, 80, of Plant City, Florida, born the 9th of 11 children on July 7, 1942, passed away on the morning of March 27, 2023 and joined his Heavenly Father and sweet family members who have gone before him. Dalton was born at home in Dover, Florida and lived his entire life in Dover and Plant City. He attended Dover Elementary School and graduated as a Gobbler from Turkey Creek High School in 1961, where he was President of his senior class. He married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie Barron, in 1962, and they were married for more than 60 years.

He was an assistant meat department manager at Winn Dixie (Kwik Chek) in his early years. He then started his life-long career, as most all of you knew him, as an expert well driller and pump repairman. Through the years, he would drill wells and service pumps of thousands of residents all over Hillsborough County. There really isn’t anywhere you can go around this area without someone knowing Dalton and appreciating his honesty, integrity, and humble spirit. He showed the love of Jesus to everyone he met, and this is his everlasting legacy.

Throughout his life, he attended Seffner Assembly of God, Dover Pentecostal Holiness Church, Turkey Creek Assembly of God, and, for the past 37 years, he was a faithful member of Plant City Church of God. He raised his girls in the ways of the Lord and walked in his faith daily. He dedicated many years of his life to the Royal Rangers program, enriching the lives of young men and teaching them to become Christ-like servant leaders.

Dalton was talented in so many ways; he loved to whittle wood to make gifts for his family and friends, was an extremely knowledgeable handyman, and sometimes even asked his girls for a ‘board-stretcher’, just to see if they were paying attention. If something went wrong, he would always say, ‘It’ll be ok’.

Most of all, Dalton loved spending time with his grandchildren, because time is the most precious gift he had to give. He was so proud of them, and we’re sure he pulled out a picture or two for many of you to brag about them often.

Dalton is survived by his wife, Stephanie; daughters Delisa Hooper, Esther Cole (Jeff), Melody Blanton (Jamie); grandchildren Chelsea Fordham, Leighton Hooper, Elizabeth Hooper, Drew Blanton, Bailey Blanton, and Jackson Blanton; sisters Dorothy, Donie Mae, and Doretha; brothers Dawson and Doyle; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Plant City Church of God on Tuesday, April 4, at 11:00 a.m. The family will begin receiving friends and family at 10:00 a.m. Graveside to follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Plant City.

If Dalton were here with us today, his response to all of your condolences and sweet messages would be, ‘Thank you, kindly.’

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Leighton family.