Leland Paxton

As the sun was coming over the horizon, Leland Jerome Paxton, age 100, passed away Monday, March 3, 2014. He leaves behind a legacy of love of family, of thoughtfulness, of care and of long-suffering.

Born July 26, 1913 at his home in Park City, Utah, the second son of Jerome Francis Paxton and Alice Rosina Turner Paxton. Married Zella Penrod on September 8, 1939, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Lee and Zella built their only home in 1941.

Lifetime member of the LDS church. He served many years as a Ward Clerk and as a Stake Executive Secretary. He served as a Boy Scout leader. In later years, Lee and Zella were called as service missionaries in the SL North Mission to work with the Hmongs and the Laotions and then were called to serve in the LDS branch of the VA Hospital.

Growing up in Park City he worked in his youth at the Kimball Junction Garage all night for $.25, delivered for a bakery (balancing the tray of pastries on his head), delivered The Park Record newspaper and accompanied his father, the bank President, pulling his red wagon to the Post Office to collect silver coin shipments for the bank. He has donated more than 100 items to the Park City Historical Museum.

He graduated from Westminster College. His professional career was an insurance executive/officer for Eastman Hatch Insurance and for Grant Hatch Insurance. He was a member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers

In his later years his greatest joy was being with family, enjoying the activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved gathering the entire family for Christmas and his birthday celebrations.

Survived by his children: Boyd L. Paxton (Lynette) Sandy: Jean P. Wisan (Bruce) East Mill Creek and Carol Ann Ashton (Bruce) Bountiful; 11 Grand children and 25 Great Grandchildren. Also survived by Paul Schreiber (Gwen) Nephew.

We are grateful for all the helping hands that allowed Lee to stay in the home he loved so much.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 10, 2014 at 12:00 PM at the Yalecrest 2nd Ward (1035 So 1800 East, SLC 84108). Family and friends are invited to visit from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM prior to the service. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Funeral directors Russon Brothers Mortuary. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com.