Retired Covenant pastor Merton Leigh passed away on September 13, 2026. He was 89.
Merton Bernard Leigh was born March 23, 1937, to parents Donald and Elvira Leigh in Mount Vernon, Washington. He grew up on his family’s farm in Mount Vernon.
Merton studied at Moody Bible Institute, where he toured Europe singing with the Moody Chorale, and at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, where he met his future wife.
Merton married Sally Ann Jwanouskos, and they were married fifty-four years until her death in 2016. They had three children named Steven, Lynnet, and Angela.
Merton served as a pastor, minister of music, and family counselor. His ministry included First Baptist Church in Buena Park, California, and, between 1970 and 1983, First Covenant Church in San Francisco, California, and First Covenant Church in Everett, Washington. He later lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A baritone, Merton loved music, especially the classic hymns, and could direct a choir of any size. He was known for his kindness and warmth, and in his final months he shared his music with the caregivers at his retirement community. His faith was central to his life, and John 10:27–30 was especially meaningful to him.
Merton was preceded in death by his wife, Sally, on September 2, 2016. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Peace be to his memory.
