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Robert Leighton Northrup was wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus Christ at 5:10 Sunday morning at Plum Creek Place, in Amarillo, Texas.
Corky was born in Guymon, Oklahoma to Willis Henry “Stub” and Vera Leighton Northrup where he was greeted by his older sister Peggy Joe with love and affection. The family continued to reside in Guymon until 1943 when Stub was drafted into the United States Army Corp of Engineers at the start of World War ll. As Stub shipped off oversees the family moved to New Mexico to be closer to maternal grandparents Ray and Lethia Leighton on the Leighton Ranch south of Clayton. It was during this time that Corky learned the meaning of patriotism. He loved God, Family and Country. An attribute he held onto until his passing.
Following the war, the family moved back to Guymon. At the age of 10, Corky was led to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior by his sister Peggy Joe who was a freshman in high school. Corky was a devoted Christian. He was involved in many men’s fellowship studies and other church activities throughout his life.
Corky thrived in high school, graduating with the class of 1956. He was given the leadership position as Editor of the Publication Committee for the annual yearbook. He was also part of the Guymon Chapter of DeMolay and was elected Master Counselor receiving the Chevalier Award for Outstanding Service. During these years his family was blessed with an addition - younger sister Nancy born in May 1951. He was very fond of having a younger sister who looked up to him. Corky graduated Guymon High School in 1956. He loved repeating the class motto “Hard as nails, tough as bricks is the Class of ‘56”. In the fall of 1956 Corky began his first day of College at Panhandle State A&M College as Nancy began her first day of elementary school. He transferred to Southwestern University where he was accepted into the School of Pharmacy, graduating with honors as the “Outstanding Pharmacy Student Award” in 1961.
Corky and Mary Jane (Powell) Northrup were married July 21, 1962. They began their life together in Amarillo, Texas where he was employed by West Haven Pharmacy until he accepted a position with Eli Lilly as a pharmaceutical rep. This position took them first to Tucson, Arizona and then in 1968 they settled in Los Angeles California, where he lived for 53 yrs. They were joined by their first son, David Leighton Northrup, in September of 1970 and then Todd Robert Northrup in November of 1970. Corky enjoyed coaching little league, youth soccer and Indian guides. He was always proud of his sons’ accomplishments.
Corky retired from dedicated years of service from a job he loved in 2001. He continued to work as a retail Pharmacist for many years after. He couldn’t help but strike up a conversation with anyone willing to participate - telling stories and reminiscing nostalgia. This was a favorite pastime of his.
He lived under the glorious California sun he loved so much until the early part of 2021 when he returned to Amarillo to be close to family. They were able to visit one last time and hear his stories before he went home to be with the Lord.
He is survived by David, Todd and Mary Jane Northrup. Grandchildren Bailee and Payton Northrup. Sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Fred Freeman and their children Brian and Kastle Freeman. Nephew Darrel Julian, his wife Nancy and niece Kathryn Young and her husband Dewayne. Along with several great grandchildren, great nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home in Guymon on Friday evening, July 29th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday morning, July 30th at 10:00 a.m. at the Texhoma United Methodist Church with Pastor David Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow at the Elmhurst Cemetery in Guymon. Services are under the care of the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.
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