DeLeon Slade

DeLeon Slade was born May 13, 1944, in Durango, Colorado, to Marvin Medford Slade and Gwendola Cloward Slade, the fourth of five children. He moved with his family to Vernal, Utah, at the age of 8 and spent much of his youth and adulthood there in a loving community surrounded by family and friends. It was in Vernal that he met his sweetheart Sandra Lee Snarr through an introduction by one of his best friends. 

DeLeon and Sandra were married on May 10, 1966, and began to build a family life together. Later they were sealed to each other with their three children for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 21, 1975. They raised their children in Utah, primarily in Vernal and Bountiful but had brief stops in Heber and Price. Later DeLeon and Sandra would move to El Paso, Texas, and finally to St George, Utah– choosing to live where they could be of most help to their children and grandchildren. Through the years, these two sweethearts were inseparable and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary earlier this year, as well as both of their 80th birthdays. 

DeLeon was very literally a “Jack of all trades.” He served in the Army National Guard from 1965-1970 while working his way up through the grocer industry. He became a store manager and later tried his hand at owning a little grocery store. He worked oil rigs and construction sites, he drove delivery trucks, sold insurance, worked in the Bountiful Temple, and later combined all his experience as a professional handyman. He was a scrappy survivor who had a tremendous capacity to work hard and never considered any opportunity to provide for his family beneath him. He was a talented problem solver, and it seemed that he could fix anything, ranging from a kitchen sink to someone’s heavy heart and almost everything in between. 

DeLeon was a faith-filled convert to the Lord Jesus Christ and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and Sandra served a full-time mission in The Family and Church History Headquarters Mission and have served as temple workers in both the St. George and Red Cliffs Temples. DeLeon also served in the St. George, Utah mission, where his fix-anything skills were well used. He loved to share inspirational thoughts and stories with his family and friends, and his uplifting daily texts will be missed by many. DeLeon left a trail of love and service as he touched the lives of countless people wherever he went. He is an extremely good example of seeking out the one, connecting, and making people feel seen and valued. He literally wore out his life in joyful and willing service to others.

DeLeon was a talented artist who excelled at carving and sculpting, and he has left beautiful works that his family treasure and enjoy. Throughout his life, DeLeon loved movement and being active. He was at heart an endurance athlete and always found a way to exercise, strengthen, and take care of his body. He was an avid and lifelong runner, and later, when his body no longer permitted that, he became a cyclist. He enjoyed countless adventures with family and friends across the mountains and canyons of Utah, Texas, and Arizona. DeLeon was never happier than when he was listening to and visiting with those he loved. He loved opportunities to share his thoughts and testimony. He had a special love for his children and his grandchildren and eagerly responded to every request for help. A texted question or phone call for advice would result in his ready presence and willing assistance. 

DeLeon died on October 15, 2024, succumbing to a fatal cardiac arrest near the completion of what would be his final bike ride. He is survived by his wife Sandra, his children, Shelle and Steve Smedley of Richland, WA, Dirk and JoLynn Slade and Denim and Ellen Slade of St. George, UT, 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers, Dale Slade, Edward Slade, and Terry Slade.

DeLeon was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Dorothy Beatty, and his grandson, Ethan Slade. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11:00 am, at the chapel on 2079 East 2450 South in St George, Utah. Friends may also visit this location Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday at 9:30 am prior to the funeral. Interment at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.