WHO WAS LANDON REID LEIGHTON?

LANDON REID LEIGHTON

Landon Reid Leighton was the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime , someone whose light shone so brightly that it left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. Born on September 7, 2007, in Flint, Michigan, Landon was a devoted son, a loyal friend, a protective brother, a loving boyfriend, and a young man of deep faith. He tragically passed away at just 16 years old on June 17, 2024, far too soon for a soul so full of life, love, and promise.

Landon had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether he was soaking in the beauty of Torch Lake, tossing a football on the Florida beach, or enjoying yearly summer trips to Mackinac City, he was happiest in the fresh air, surrounded by the people he loved most. He found joy in the simple moments, playing on the beach, or walking through town with his family.

Sports were a major part of Landon's life. He played basketball and baseball with a sense of pride and teamwork that made him invaluable on any team. He was always willing to step into any position his coach needed, and he never played for attention, he played for love of the game. One of his proudest moments came when he pitched the winning game in a baseball tournament. He was also a diehard fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Pistons, supporting them win or lose.

But beyond the game and the outdoors, Landon’s heart was what set him apart. He shared a deep and special bond with his parents, Brandon and Shannon. He was the kind of son every parent hopes for, respectful, kind, thoughtful, and endlessly supportive. Whether it was studying with his mom, practicing baseball at the fields, or going to games and car shows with his dad, Landon always made time for the people who mattered most. His siblings  Rylee, Brooklynn, Lilli, and Braxton adored him, and he was a proud and playful big brother.

Landon also loved animals, especially his dogs, and found constant joy in simply being around them. 

He shared a beautiful relationship with  his girlfriend Emerson Starr, who brought out the best in him.

Faith played a central role in Landon's life. He was a devoted follower of Christ, regularly attending Vertical Life Church, Higher Praise, and Clio Community Church of God. His character reflected the love of Christ,  he was generous, patient, joyful, and kind. He never hesitated to help others, no matter who they were. He showed people they mattered, not just through words, but through actions.

If you knew Landon, you loved him. His laughter, kindness, humility, and light-hearted spirit made him unforgettable. He lived with joy, loved deeply, and left this world far better than he found it.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

When Landon Leighton passed away, it shook me to my core. He was one of those rare people you can’t replace, a steady friend, a joy-filled presence, and someone who lived in a way that left an imprint on every person he met. I still remember how he could light up a room without even trying, how his kindness felt genuine, and how he cared about people no matter who they were. Losing him wasn’t just losing a friend, it was losing a brother in Christ.

The days after the accident were heavy, filled with questions for God. Why him? Why now? What do we do with this kind of pain? I had never wrestled with grief like that before. And as time went on, I began to feel this deep burden, almost like God was whispering, Don’t let this end here.

That burden led me to prayer. For months, I asked God for clarity: What do You want me to do with this? How can I honor Landon in a way that honors You? I didn’t want a quick or emotional decision. I wanted something that was from God’s heart, not just my own. I wanted to be sure this was about more than keeping a memory alive, I wanted it to be about Kingdom impact.

One passage of Scripture wouldn’t leave my mind. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the master who entrusted his stewards with talents. The master gave each steward something valuable, with the expectation that they would invest it and multiply it. Two of them did, and the master praised them with words I have never been able to shake: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

That’s what I want for my life. And when I think about Landon, I believe he lived in a way that reflected those words,  faithful with what God gave him, kind with his influence, generous with his time. I began to see that God had entrusted all of us who knew Landon with something valuable,  the gift of his friendship, his example, and the way he loved people. We could hide that gift in our memories, or we could invest it in others so it would multiply. I knew in my heart: I didn’t want to bury this. I wanted to steward it faithfully, for God’s glory.

Still, I didn’t rush. I wrestled with the idea for nearly a year. I prayed and waited, learning what it meant to trust God’s timing. And on the exact one-year anniversary of Landon’s passing, I knew it was time. That was the day the Landon Leighton Memorial Foundation was born, not just as a way to remember Landon, but as a way to invest in lives for Christ through generosity, opportunity, and love.

From the very beginning, God has provided the right people to walk alongside me. Shortly after LLMF began, Peyton Shaw joined our team. Peyton’s heart was to serve quietly and faithfully behind the scenes, making sure all the details and logistics were handled so the vision could stand for years to come. Around the same time, Blake Erickson came on board, eager to help expand our outward reach, to connect with the community, share Landon’s story, and extend the impact as far as possible.

Even before the foundation officially launched, I shared the idea with Emerson Starr. She was one of the very first to hear about it, and she encouraged me from the start. She’s been a faithful supporter and helper ever since, proving that God plants the right people in our path long before we see the whole picture.

And then there’s Landon’s family. From day one, they have been nothing short of a gift from God to me personally. Their love, grace, and willingness to walk this journey with me have been humbling. They’ve opened their hearts, trusted me with their son’s name, and encouraged me in ways I can never repay. I thank God for them constantly.

Looking back, I see so clearly that this isn’t my work, it’s God’s. He placed the burden in my heart, He provided the people, He opened the doors, and He’s the One who will sustain it. LLMF is more than a scholarship fund; it’s an act of stewardship. It’s a response to the talents we’ve been given. It’s about taking the gift of Landon’s life and multiplying it for God’s glory in the lives of others.

Every scholarship we award, every student we support, every story we share is another way of saying, Lord, we are using what You’ve entrusted to us. And one day, I pray, when my time here is done, I will hear those same words that have echoed in my heart since the day this began: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Lincoln Hoover — Founder & President
The Landon Leighton Memorial Foundation

Landon was the most loving, caring, funny, unique person I have ever met. He was the best boyfriend anyone could ever ask for. He never failed to make sure I was okay and that I was happy. He showed me what love should look like, and that will stay with me forever. Landon had the kind of smile that could make a whole room bright. Anywhere he was, he was making people smile and laugh. He was the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around. He had a way about him that brought comfort no matter what. My family loved having him around, especially my little brother Everett. Landon was like a big brother to him, and they loved playing baseball together. Although I loved every single moment I had with him, I would have to say one of my favorites would be my senior prom. That day, he was so happy and excited that we were able to go together. We had so much fun taking pictures before the dance and later at the dance itself. Landon has shown me how to love like Christ and rely on God for all.

Emerson Starr - Outreach Advisor

The Landon Leighton Memorial Foundation