Lt. Col (Ret) Leo J Lee Obituary (1925 - 2017)

Lt. Col. (Ret) Leo J Lee, age 91, peacefully returned home to his Heavenly Father on February 20, 2017 with his beloved wife of 68 years, Helen Harrop, at his side. Leo was born on July 29, 1925 in Hinckley, Utah to John Raymon Lee and Harriet Theobald Bliss. He moved several times in his childhood until settling in Willard, Utah. He attended Willard Central School and graduated from Box Elder High School in May 1943. He enlisted in the Navy in April 1943 and after graduation served in the Pacific Theater during the remainder of WWII. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to Willard where he renewed his acquaintance with Helen Harrop. Things became serious and he proposed to Helen. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a Sgt. and applied to become an officer at the encouragement of Col. "Big Bear" Franklin. In January 1948, he started Officer Candidate School, and after graduation, married Helen. His first duty assignment after pilot training was Hamilton AFB California. His extensive military career spanned over 26 years, flying 29 different aircraft, and becoming the 18th pilot to successfully eject from a disabled aircraft. Leo retired in 1970 at his last duty station, George AFB in Victorville, California. After retiring as a Lt. Col. and earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman University, Leo began his second career as an educator. He continued his education, earning his Master's degree (it's never too late)! His passions in Elementary Education were reading specialist and computer specialist, becoming one of the first Apple computer specialists for Adelanto School District and the High Desert. He retired after 23 years of teaching. Outside of his professional life, Leo was very active in church and community. He held many positions in the LDS Church. Later in life he became very active in scouting, an adventure that lasted over 40 years. Leo's achievements included: Outstanding Commissioner for the Serrano District, Award of Merit, and Silver Beaver. He was initiated into Order of the Arrow in his late 50's. In 1994, Leo, his son Gene and grandson Robert were all initiated into the Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, making Leo one of the rare 3 generation inductees. After retiring and moving to Springville, Utah, Leo and Helen served LDS temple missions, first in Bern, Switzerland and second in Seoul, Korea. On return, Leo continued to serve in the Provo Temple until declining health prohibited him from further service. Leo is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen, five of his six children: Terry, Gene (D'On), Cindy Spain (Mike), Lisa Halvorson (Jeff), and Jon (Martha), 16 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Ronald. Services will be held at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 11:00 am. Viewings will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 7:00-8:00 pm and on Friday from 10:00-10:45 am prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Willard City Cemetery. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT