Eugene, who grew up on a farm near Macomb, and Marcine, a Kahoka, Missouri native, met at Gem City Business College. It was in the study hall where Eugene first saw Marcine, sparking a conversation that would lead to a lifetime together.  

As much as they built a life together, they also built memories in the stands of Pepsi Arena. They traveled far and wide to support QU – even hopping on the QU fan bus all the way to Owensboro, Kentucky, for a triple-overtime thriller. They arrived back home at 4 a.m., but never regretted a second of it.

Their dedication to the team didn’t go unnoticed. Identical twins Kate and Julia, standout QU players, always spotted the Leightys in the crowd and one day asked for their names. That simple exchange turned into something special. The Leighty’s took the twins out to dinner, eventually meeting their parents at a later date, forming a bond that lasted well beyond the final buzzer.

So much so that when Marcine passed, the twins came to pay their respects, a testament to the deep connections the Leightys fostered through basketball.

Eugene remains a devoted fan, continuing the tradition by attending games alongside the daughter he and Marcine shared. To honor their memories in a lasting way and to continue their impact and legacy, the Eugene and Marcine Leighty Fund supports QU men’s and women’s basketball. With their fund, the hope is that the program continues to flourish, just as they watched it do for so many years.

The people, the friendships, and the community made every game feel like home. And thanks to their support, that spirit lives on.