Leonard Nelson Burton

Leonard Burton
Kearns, Utah

Leonard Nelson Burton was the youngest child of Franklin Lebron and Jemima Nelson Burton. He was born May 24, 1937, and was raised in South Salt Lake until construction of I-80 caused them to move their home from Robert Avenue to 13th East. Leonard passed through the veil and was reunited with his family on August 10, 2024. 

Leonard married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Horton, and together they had 5 wonderful children: Brad (Sandee), Brian (Helen), Lebron (Jinger), Blake (Christie) and Gail. They lived in Salt Lake City and Moab, Utah. They were later divorced. Leonard married Peggy Jean Charlesworth in 1984 and added Greg (Katy) and Rachelle to his family. Leonard and Peggy enjoyed a wonderful life together. They lived in Cottonwood, Murray and St. George, Utah and were able to travel the world together. Leonard loves his dear Peggy.

Leonard worked in the insurance business his whole life. He had many friends and business associates because of his work and service to them. 

Leonard was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His relationship with the Savior and his testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were treasured by him. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He served his Savior in many ways: as a young missionary in Denmark, as a counselor in Winder 8th ward bishopric when he was a young father, later as bishop of the Moab 1st ward, and for many years as a member location missionary. Leonard enjoyed teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and taught in many capacities throughout his life. Leonard loved the temple and served there for more than 20 years, first in the Jordan River Temple as a veil worker and then in the St. George temple as an ordinance worker and in the baptistry. He dearly missed working in the temple when he was no longer able to serve there.

Leonard loved the deserts of Southern Utah and his family has many wonderful memories of their desert experiences in Moab. He was able to get their Travel-all stuck and unstuck many times, often after going forward, in spite of Carolyn’s warnings to turn around. We all loved those times. Later, he and Peggy spent many years exploring the beautiful Southwestern Utah landscape.

Leonard is survived by his dear wife Peggy; sons, Brad, Lebron, Blake; and daughter Gail; stepson, Greg; 26 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian; stepdaughter, Rachelle; granddaughter Sommer; 2 sisters, 4 brothers. What a reunion he must have had seeing them all again.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Summit Sr. Living in Kearns, Utah where Leonard and Peggy lived for the final months of his life. We are especially grateful to Veronica and Makaylee from Canyon Home Health and Hospice for their loving care of Leonard and Peggy.

Graveside services will be at the Richfield City Cemetery on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 12 Noon. Viewing at Magleby Mortuary in Richfield from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com