David J. Leastman

It is with deep sorrow and yet profound joy that we inform you God called David J. Leastman to Heaven on Monday, March 30, 2026.

David was born in Rochester, NY, on July 10, 1952, to Wallace and Barbara Leastman. He grew up in Sidney, MT, and graduated from Sidney High School in 1970. Growing up, in the summers he loved attending Eastern Montana Bible Camp located near Lambert, MT. For several years, as an adult, he enjoyed directing Junior Camp week and he considered it a privilege to serve on the camp board.

A mutual friend introduced David to his future wife in the parking lot of the Sidney Reynolds grocery store in 1973. The second time he saw Lorayne, he told her they were going to get married. Two years later this came true and they now have six living children. He went to be with the Lord four days before their 51st wedding anniversary.

The family lived in Sidney, where David worked for Cenex until 1985 when they moved to Richey, MT. In 1986, they relocated to Glendive, MT, where he became the manager of a Cenex station. Later, he started taking classes at Dawson Community College where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree. He was the recipient of the prestigious President’s Award.

In 1995, David hurt his back and was no longer able to do physical work. The family moved to Newberg, OR, where he attended George Fox University. He majored in Computer Information Science with a minor in Christian Camping Education with the intent of becoming a Camp Director at a Christian Camp. David received his Bachelor’s Degree in December 1999. Feeling the need for more training in public speaking (which he was not fond of), in January 2000, he became a student at Frontier School of the Bible in LaGrange, WY, with the intent of staying one semester. That semester turned in to 4 1/2 years, as much to his surprise, he heard God calling him to be a pastor – something he always said he would not become! Upon graduating in 2004, he accepted the call to be the pastor of Carpenter Christian Fellowship Church in Carpenter, WY. His last sermon was the day before Jesus called him home.

In 2006, David began subbing at Burns Junior/Senior High School. He was hired as a full time educational aid in 2008 and he became a Job Coach in the special education department in 2012. After his official retirement in 2022, he continued to work part-time in the transportation department driving students to and from school. On the afternoon of March 30th, he made his last radio call to the Bus Barn reporting that all his “chicks were safe in their nests” before his heart attack that evening.

For years, David dealt with a variety of medical issues. He would joke that his toes made it to heaven before him. His passing was sudden, but we rejoice that he no longer has to deal with any medical problems and he is in the presence of His Savior, rejoicing with Jesus, and doing a little dance with his hands in the air!

Whatever David did, he did it with his whole heart. He enjoyed cooking for people, especially if it involved Dutch Oven (cast iron) cooking or grilling. He would always say, “If you go home hungry, it’s your own fault!” He enjoyed trying new recipes. Some turned out, some didn’t. Then they got passed on to the grandkids, who eat about anything. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. David liked playing a variety of card and board games with family and friends and there was almost always a jigsaw puzzle in process on the table.

Ever since he was little, David enjoyed singing and often provided special music in church. He loved to praise Jesus through song. He was known for his strong voice and beautiful harmonies. Singing was as natural to him as breathing. To some, he was known as “The Singing Pastor”.

David’s life radiated his love for Jesus as he lived out his faith. He embraced the love of his family. David let his wife know daily that she was the love of his life. He derived great enjoyment from watching his young grandchildren play on the floor with the toys, the older ones playing sports, listening to granddaughters play the piano, holding his daughter’s hand as they walked, teaching grandchildren how to play Pinochle, talking attentively with his sons, and giving anyone of the family a bear hug. His family has no doubt about his love for them.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lorayne Leastman; his children, Marcia Leastman, Ami (David) Brookens, Adellas (Matt) Flateland, Wallace (Melinda) Leastman, David (Regina) Leastman II, and Emily (Billy) Nokes; 17 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; his mother, Barbara Leastman; his sisters Marilyn (Tom) Halvorson, and Carolyn Wiebe; his brother Marc (Linda) Leastman; his brothers-in-law Larry Hayden, Rodney Hayden, Darrell Hayden, and Dale (Linda) Hayden; his sister- in-law RaeAnn Magyar; and many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Leastman; father-in-law, Harry Hayden; mother-in-law, Wilma Hayden; sister-in-law, Mandy Leastman; nephew Haans Halvorson; and grandson David John Leastman III.

A memorial service will be held at Carpenter Elementary School in Carpenter, WY, on April 4, 2026, at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to any of the following:

Eastern Montana Bible Camp; Camper Scholarships; https;//embcamp.org/support

Frontier School of the Bible; Charlie Hornick #152; https://www.frontierbible.org/

UIM International; Tyrell Zehner; www.uim.org/donate-online

UIM international; Warren Cheek; www.uim.org/donate-online

Get the Word Out Ministries; Mary Jean Powers; https://www.getthewordout.cc/donations/