Leon George Payne

Bothwell UT - Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather, Leon George Payne died early Saturday morning, March 1, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 29, 1939 in Tremonton Utah to George Leslie Payne and Mabel Elizabeth Sandall. Dad was raised in Bothwell, he went to Bothwell Elementary and graduated from Bear River High School in 1957. He married LuAnna Skinner on September 23, 1960 in the Logan Temple. They were blessed with 3 wonderful children: Douglas, Paula and Peggy. Dad and Mom later divorced. Dad married Elizabeth Hale on December 28, 1980 in Elko Nevada, which added to the family: Kelly, Tammy, Patti, Becky, Jackie and Stephanie. 

Dad worked at Thiokol for 36 years, after being laid off he drove school bus for the Box Elder School District. 

Dad loved sports. His favorite teams were the teams he played on, his kids played on, and then the teams his grandchildren played on. Dad participated in Football and Baseball in high school and loved playing church fastpitch softball with the Bothwell ward. Dad always had a smile on his face when he talked about softball, dad was left handed and played 1st base, we often joked, he had to hit the ball over the fence to make it to second base. He enjoyed the association with the men on the team and loved telling stories of his ball playing days. Dad loved watching the Utah Jazz, New York Yankees, and Minnesota Vikings.

Dad looked forward to and loved the Box Elder County Fair and Rodeo. He gave us the opportunity and taught us how to raise and show pigs and that there was a financial reward at the end of many months of hard work. That tradition began in 1969 and is still continued to this day, even though there have been a few breaks in between when the next generation begins. Dad looked forward to the rodeo every year and even had a sign in his home that said “If Heaven don’t have Rodeos, I Ain’t Going”.

Dad enjoyed hunting. In his younger years he loved deer hunting at Dove Creek, duck and goose hunting, and especially pheasant hunting with Doug by his side and Peggy tagging behind ready to pack birds to the truck. 

Dad was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He didn't go to church often, but had a testimony of family, faith and temple covenants. He was called as the emergency preparedness specialist, and he took this calling very seriously, and fulfilled it to the best of his ability.

He is survived by his wife Liz, his three children; Douglas (Kathleen), Paula, and Peggy (John) Nelson, step-children; Tammy (Base) Ward, Patti Booth, Becky (Lyle) Riggs, and Stephanie (Vince) Lee. He is also survived by 34 grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by stepson Kelly Perkes, stepdaughter Jackie Carter, son-in-laws Dee Wilson, Dennis Carter and Gary Booth, and great grandson Dustin Potter. Dad was also preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings, Dad was the final member in his family to pass. We know a joyous reunion is taking place on the other side.  

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 8, 2025 at noon at the Bothwell LDS church. Viewings will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Rudd Funeral Home (111 N. 100 E.- Tremonton), and Saturday morning from 10:30 -11:30 AM at the Bothwell church. The service will be livestreamed and can be found below. 

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.