Leon S Wilson

Leon S Wilson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Orem, Utah, after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with Double Hit Lymphoma (DHL) cancer. He was 75 years old.

Leon is survived by his devoted wife, Christine, and their children: Heather (Jason) Staples; Rachael (Eron) Dahl; Amy Wilson; Paul (Lindsey) Wilson; Logan (Lauren) Clark; Steven (Erlyn) Wilson; and Katie (Matias) Cumsille.

He is also survived by his four siblings: Colleen (Michael) Rondas, Janet (Roy) Jarvis, Paul (Atina) Wilson, and Jil (Deward) Murray; and his 29 treasured grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and stepsister, Jae Tolbert.

Leon was born July 5, 1950, in Provo, Utah, to Iddo Leon Wilson and LaWren Wright Wilson Moon, and later became the stepson of Ruth Webb Wilson. In the summer of 1968, soon after graduating from Provo High School, a work accident cost him part of his right hand. Lying in a hospital bed for several days after surgery and recovery, he realized that serving in Vietnam and becoming an airline pilot were no longer options. His life, he knew, would have to follow a new course. Leon shared that during his time in the hospital, he came to see that he had set aside the most important thing in life when he left the church-the Savior Jesus Christ. He decided his new direction in life would include the Savior, which led him back to church and onto a path of devoted discipleship that lasted a lifetime.

At the age of 19, Leon left home to serve a two-year mission in the Kentucky/Tennessee Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His character was refined as he bore witness of the gospel and learned to meet his disability with grace and strength. Leon's service as a missionary encouraged a resilience that would carry through every aspect of his life.

After being home for a little over a year from his mission, Leon married Christine (Cris) Warner Johnson Jezek in the St. George Utah Temple, on November 21, 1972. In time, their family grew, filling their home with children and a sense of purpose that guided them. With the help of Cris and his sister Jae, he created a home where love and growth flourished.

Leon valued education as a way of opening doors to provide for his family. He earned a degree in Business Management from Utah State University in 1977 and an Associate of Applied Science in Mining Technology from the College of Eastern Utah in 1983. Later in life, he became a Certified Emergency Medical Technician and was working toward becoming a Certified Remote Drone Pilot when his cancer was diagnosed.

Leon's education and determination gave him the confidence to adjust to a changing economy. He worked as a coal miner in Utah's Carbon County region, where his strength and persistence stood out. Later, he founded The Laser Cartridge, Inc. during the early years of personal computers. Leon used the sales skills he gained from The Laser Cartridge to work for many years in the moving business. His career concluded with more than two decades in temple security at the Denver Colorado Temple, where he found meaning in uniting his profession with his faith.

While Leon worked hard all his life, he also had many interests. He was a loyal Broncos fan, rarely missing a game, and often watched in-depth football commentary to stay updated. He also had a passion for photography, capturing countless family moments, preserving memories that are now cherished in his absence. Leon loved competing with Cris and the family in cards, board games, and video games. Winning at a game often brought out the famous big Leon grin.

At 21, Cris faced a near-fatal episode of thrombophlebitis. When traditional care offered limited results, one doctor encouraged Leon to explore holistic health. Leon became an avid researcher, a pursuit that benefited him and many others throughout his life. This passion eventually led him to become a Reiki Master, where he offered healing at no cost. Yet of all his pursuits and interests, nothing meant more to him than the time he shared with his children and grandchildren, who were his greatest source of joy.

From the gospel, Leon drew strength, and within his home, he found purpose. Though future generations may know him only as an ancestor, they will walk paths made easier by the quiet influence of his choices.

SERVICES

Funeral services will be held on:

Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 am

1075 W 1100 N

Orem, Utah 84057

For those unable to attend in person, you can view the live stream at https://plw.me/zoom

The family of Leon Wilson expresses sincere thanks to Dr. Brandt L. Esplin of Revere Health in Provo and to the Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Treatment team at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. Their skilled and compassionate efforts extended his life and blessed his family with more time together.