Leon Lund Howell

Leon was born February 3rd 1936 in Clifton, Idaho to Ralph and Therma Howell, He was the 3rd of 7 children. He was raised on a farm here he learned the value of hard work. Leon was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served many people in his life.

Leon served 2 years as an Army veteran in the Korean War during 1954 to 1956. He married the love of his life MarJean on October 12, 1956 and together they had 3 beautiful children that he was so proud of. Leon and MarJean would go on to spend the next 68 years building their life and family together which would include 6 Granddaughters, 1 Grandson and 5 Great-Grandsons.

Leon had very a strong work ethic, he was a Line Haul driver of 40 + years and a proud Teamsters member retiring from Yellow Freight in 2003. During his career he drove over 4.5 million miles and received multiple safety awards.

To wind down after a long night on the road he would spend time working on his yard taking pride in keeping it well manicured and making sure he always had the greenest grass on the block.

Leon was a devoted Family man, He cherished dates with MarJean and time with his children. He enjoyed spending time with his Grandchildren and Great- Grandchildren every chance he got. He was never afraid to be silly and always had a corny joke ready to tell. Leon’s family was the most important thing to him, he always looked forward to phone calls and visits with his siblings and loved ones.

His love of basketball began in middle school, he rekindled that love in his mid 50’s and he would go to on to play until he was 80 years old. During that time he played in the Senior Olympics and would look forward to playing in the World Senior Olympics every year where he become known for his famous 3 point shot and receiving countless awards and metals that he so proudly displayed throughout his home.

Leon was a total gear head; while living in Utah he loved drag racing. His first race car was a ‘55 Chevy then his ‘65 Chevy Nova named “Bankruptcy”. He would later go on to restore his 1966 Chevy El Camino that was his pride and joy. Another of his treasured possessions was his restored 1989 Toyota Corolla that has over 650,000 miles on the original motor.

When Leon wasn’t watching his Clippers play, some of his favorite past times included people watching while enjoying a hot dog at the local Costco and meeting with his best buddies Jeff and Dennis for breakfast. A few of his indulgences were a cup of vanilla ice cream or his caramel hot chocolate that always had to be piping hot despite the temperature outside which of course never had enough caramel to his liking.

Leon had a gentle and loving heart he was a good friend and neighbor and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Leon was a bright light to any and all that knew and loved him and his absence will most certainly be felt. May we find comfort in knowing that he is now free of all pain and restrictions and most certainly tearing up that basketball court in the sky.

Preceded in death by: His parents (Ralph and Therma), Siblings (Janiece, Arlo, and Courtney) Grandson (Collin). Survived by His wife MarJean, Children: Cindy, Alan (Roxanne), and Stacey. Grandchildren: Stephanie, Melody, Justina, Laura (Austin), Marie and Erin. Great-Grandchildren: Jacob (Kendra),Aidan, Dylan, Trystan and Jaden. Siblings: Roger Howell, Nancy (Dennis) Carroll, and Terry Howell.

There will be a celebration of life on Wednesday February 12th, 2025 from 6-8pm at Victor Valley Mortuary 15609 Eleventh St. Victorville, CA 92395

There will also be an additional Celebration of Leon at a later date in June for his Family and Friends in Utah and his final resting place he will be reunited with his loved ones in Idaho.