Oscar “Leon” Hadley

March 11, 1955 – March 3, 2023

Oscar “Leon” Hadley died March 3, 2023 surrounded by his family. Leon was born in Ogden, Utah on March 11, 1955 to Ambrose L. and Verna London Hadley, the fourth of seven children. Leon married Debbie Lee Sparks on March 15, 1974 in Ogden, Utah.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden Temple.

Leon joined the Utah Army National Guard while still in high school. He later signed up for the United States Army and served for three years at Dugway Proving Grounds.  After being released from the Army he stayed working at Dugway in various functions.  He retired from Dugway as a program analyst after 38 years.

Leon and Debbie bought a home, in Grantsville, Utah in 1978 where they have lived for the last 45 years.

Leon was one of the original Utah Hunter’s Education program teachers in Grantsville and taught hundreds of people over 30 years.  He loved teaching people about gun safety and ethical hunting.  H also taught concealed carry and gun safety. While teaching Leon also volunteered at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range. Shooting was one of his passions.  

Leon was a volunteer on the Grantsville Fire Department for 30+ years.  He really enjoyed serving and the fellowship shared by the firefighters.  He served as the Photographer/Historian for the Utah State Firefighters Association for 12 years.

Leon loved the outdoors.  He loved to camp, hunt, and fish.  His family owned some property in Ogden Canyon where he spent many days.  He was an avid hunter although his brother laughed and said that he spent more time hunting for arrowheads than he did deer.

Leon is survived by his wife, three sons, Jason (Angie) Hadley, Grantsville, UT, Eric (Britannie) Hadley, Blackfoot, ID, Daniel (Diva) Hadley, Grantsville, UT and one daughter Rachael (Andrew) Christiansen, Grantsville, and fifteen grandkids that he dearly loved.

He is also survived by four sisters, Raenee (Louis) Lowder, West Weber, UT, Sandra (Ron) Hood, Bothwell, UT, Louise (Rodney) Bryant, West Weber, UT and Nancy (Rick) Fisher, Roy, UT, and one brother, Carl (Paulette) Hadley, Plain City, UT.

Leon was proceeded in death by his parents and one brother Rodney B. Hadley.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, March 10, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel located at 415 West Apple, Grantsville, UT. A viewing will be conducted on Thursday March 9, 2023 from 6 – 8 p.m. and from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. prior to the service.  Interment will follow the funeral services  in the Grantsville City Cemetery with Military Honors by the US Army.