Leon Alfred Walters
1926 ~2008
Leon Alfred Walters passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on April 18, 2008, in Salt Lake City, due to complications from heart failure.
He was born July 18, 1926 in
Magna, Utah, the second of five
children born to Alfred Booth
Walters and Hazel Catherine Steadman. He grew up in Magna during the Great Depression, and developed traits of industry and thrift that remained with him throughout his life. After graduating from Cypress High School in 1944, he joined the Army and served his country during the final stages of World War II.
Following his military service, Leon worked at Kennecott Copper as his father had done. He left Kennecott to take advantage of the GI Bill to get an education, attending Utah State Agricultural College (USU). To earn money for school, he took a summer job as an apprentice locksmith, which led to his lifelong career. After a few years of working, he served a mission for his church in the Southern States Mission. When he returned, he started his own locksmith business. On October 8, 1965, Leon married Helen Naylor for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised seven children, and he was proud of his posterity. He was a dedicated husband and a good father who worked hard to provide for his family. He taught his family largely by his example. Helen's love of temple and family history work rubbed off on Leon, and he did a lot of this work in the later years of his life. He loved Helen and missed her dearly after she passed away in January, 2004. Leon loved to garden and enjoyed sharing his produce with others. He loved the out-of-doors and regularly took his family on fun camping adventures.
Leon is survived by his children, Lane (Andrea), David (Lisa), Lynette (Robert Barlow), Darren (Bernadette), Troy (Kristen), Sheryllin and Deborah; 23 grandchildren; and his brother, Ken. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen, his parents, his sisters, Hazel and Donna, his brother, Don, and a granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held
Wednesday, April 23, at 11 a.m., at the Highland View Ward, 2980 S. 2790 E. Friends may call Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr., and one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.