Ira "Ike" Emmett Brighton's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Ira (Ike) Emmett Brighton announces his passing in Fayetteville, Arkansas on August 18th, 2025, at the age of 77.
Ike is preceded in death by his father HD Brighton of Johnstown, Colorado, his mother Ernestine Brighton of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his beloved brother Harry Brighton of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gini Brighton of Fayetteville, AR and their children Dusty (Missy) Brighton of Fayetteville, AR, Darby (Lyle) Brighton of Maumelle, AR, and Holly Brighton of Fayetteville, AR. as well as their grandchildren Mary Helen Brighton (Andrea Ruffelli) of Rome, Italy, Rhett (Elaine) Brighton of Littleton, CO, Blakely Brighton, Addison Brighton and Fen Morgan of Maumelle, AR.
He is also survived by his brother Val Brighton of Tulsa, OK, half-brother Kevin (Sarah) Brighton of Westerly, Rhode Island and stepmother Judy Brighton of Johnstown, Colorado as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Born in Norman, Oklahoma, on Halloween in 1947, Ike was the oldest of three boys. He found his refuge at an early age in all things sporty, but most importantly the church. He developed his tremendous faith in The Lord from a very young age. This faith would sustain him throughout his life in ways only he knows.
Ike was a die-hard Sooner fan having graduated from Oklahoma University in 1969. We will probably never witness again from any living being the level of intensity Ike displayed when OU played Texas. He was a very passionate man about his OU football. Boomer Sooner.
Ike bravely served our country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served as the navigator in the F-4 Phantom II. He loved flying, and the camaraderie he had with his fellow servicemen. His time in the service definitely laid the foundation for his true passion of serving God and serving others. He became a Presbyterian Pastor and served the congregations of John Knox Presbyterian in Marietta, GA, Waverly Road Presbyterian in Kingsport, TN and Blountville Presbyterian in Blountville, TN.
Ike never met a stranger. His sense of humor and endless expressions have entertained his family and friends for years. We rejoice in his Homecoming and the restoration of his strength and of his memories. He loved God, family and country and will be deeply missed. We know he heard “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:23
Lyrics to TAPS
“Day is done. Gone the sun. From the lakes, From the hills, from the sky. All is Well. Safely rest. God is nigh.
A celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 100 S Gutensohn Road, Springdale, AR 72762. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Springdale, AR, at https://giving.myamplify.io/App/Form/f788f55d-72fd-4159-9874-57f389b2c8e1
The service will be livestreamed on the First Presbyterian Church Springdale, Arkansas, YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/live/sATAHOD8vtQ?si=OErLSCGnZXru9lfZ
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