Stanley “Leon” Maxfield

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Stanley “Leon” Maxfield, 73, returned with honor to his Heavenly Father from his home in Grand Junction, Colo. on the evening of July 6, 2016. He fought a valiant battle with esophageal cancer for the last year; the last two months were especially difficult for him.
Leon was born in Grand Junction, Colorado to Raymond Baker and Leda (Mecham) Maxfield on March 17, 1943. The family moved to Green River, Utah, where he grew up and attended school. Leon worked long hours after school and on weekends while in high school. He was a graduate of Green River High School and was especially interested in mathematics and physics.
Leon served in the United States Navy from 1961 through 1965 during the Vietnam War in the western Pacific as a radarman aboard two minesweepers. During his military service, he married Diane Snyder; they divorced.
After completing his enlistment, he was honorably discharged then went to work as a radarman at the White Sands Missile Base in Green River. He married Sheila Swink and the couple settled in Moab, Utah where three daughters were born to them: Tamara, Rachel and Brenda. He worked as an electrician for Rio Algom and Union Carbide. Leon worked as a miner in several other uranium mines. After he moved his family to Price, Utah, Leon drove trucks hauling coal for Savage Brothers for many years to support his family. Then he moved them to Green River where he owned and operated Interstate Towing. He and Sheila divorced.
Later, Leon found Diane (Snyder) Newberry, his youthful sweetheart, again. On May 5, 2006 Leon married Diane in Grand Junction, Colorado. They were called to serve in the Monticello, Utah temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Leon loved serving others and was usually the first one there when called on a service project.
Leon and his brothers were known throughout southeast Utah for singing and playing guitar. Leon especially enjoyed family gatherings, playing guitar and singing with friends and loved ones. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and reloading. Leon was a frugal and caring father and taught his children to live within their means.
Leon is survived by his wife Diane; his sister Marilynn (Joe) Mazak of North Edwards, California; daughters Tamara Caviness, and Rachel (Mike) Cresto of Moab; stepson Ken Newberry II, Hermosa Beach, California; and grandchildren Kiera Garber, Jake Garber, Rori Cresto, Rowan Cresto, and Morgan Cresto. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dennis, Rodger Dean, and Grant, infant daughter Brenda, and son-in-law Danny.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Green River, Utah. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m., with services at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Moab, Utah at 3 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Fausett Mortuary in Price, Utah. Donations may be made in Leon’s name to Hope West Hospice in Grand Junction. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Leon at www.fausettmortuary.com.