Leland Edgar Mohler

On August 30, 2024 Leland Edgar Mohler returned to the arms of his loving Heavenly Father joining his eternal companion and love of his life Peggy. Lee was born May 24, 1931, the second son of Cecil Earnest Mohler Sr and Pearl Frances Smith Mohler in Lexington, Virginia. Lee grew up working alongside his father in his mechanic shop; this is where he began a love of cars (a Chevy man to the end) and a talent for fixing everything around the house. Lee joined the United States Airforce after graduation, bringing him to his new home in Utah. He served his country during the Korean War as a Department Unit Chief and Photo Equipment Repairman. Continuing a lifelong love of photography and cameras, filling countless photo albums from all of his adventures. Lee was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. 

While looking for something to do on a Saturday night Lee entered the famous Berthana Ballroom, not knowing that it would change his life forever. There he met the love of his life, Thelma Rose “Peggy” Sparrow. Together they skated their way into national recognition for skate dancing, winning many national and state titles. It was only fitting that they would begin their life together at the Berthana Ballroom on skates. While serving in Korea, Lee wrote many letters to his love many contained his amazing art work and charactures, both the letters and drawings were kept by grandma and will be enjoyed by the family for many years. Shortly after returning from Korea Lee was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. Later, they returned to Hill Air Force Base, where they made their home in Ogden, Utah. There they welcomed their beloved daughter Peggy Lee Mohler. Lee and Peggy lived many years in East Layton where Peggy Lee was raised.

Lee and Peggy’s lasting legacy came with their service together in Saigon, Vietnam. Lee with Peggy at his side, served as a Chief, Quality Function for the Air Force with the Defense Attache Office in 1975 as the Vietnam War was coming to an end. They loved their time there and the people of Vietnam, sending home gifts and pictures to share with family. Lee and Peggy were both part of Operation Baby Lift. Peggy was asked to evacuate, but refused to leave without Lee by her side. She left the base knowing that they could not make her leave if they could not find her. She stayed with him until he was ordered to evacuate also, a moment that defines their love for each other. Following their return, Lee and Peggy helped to start the Saigon Mission Association (SMA), serving as President for many years. SMA took them across the country each year, but the one that stood out was in 2017 when they were granted permission to lay a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC to commemorate those lost during Operation Baby Lift in 1975. Lee and Peggy helped many Vietnam refugees find a home in America as well as advocating for veterans throughout their lives. 

Lee was a Wildcat, bleeding purple, proud that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren followed in his footsteps. Lee continued his education at Weber College in 1951 after returning from Korea. He received his Associates in 1961 and his bachelor’s in Government Logistics in 1977. He proudly reminded people that he attended Weber Academy, Weber College and then Weber State University. Lee continued his career at Hill Air Force Base in civil service retiring after 36 years as a supervisor of Quality Assurance. Lee was a lifetime member of the Airforce Association serving along side his wife as President for many years. Throughout their lives Lee and Peggy traveled the world visiting Europe and Asia multiple times, bringing home treasures and stories to share. 

Lee loved to serve his community beginning as a council member for East Layton, then serving as the Mayor of East Layton. He was integral in planning the new East Layton subdivisions. After moving to Uintah Highlands, he served on the Uintah Highlands Improvement District as a Board Member. 

Lee played as hard as he worked. His first passion was racing Go Karts alongside his wife. His #2 Kart was seen all across America as he packed up his family to pursue his love of racing. He logged many track records and made lifelong friends while winning hundreds of trophies. He shared his love of racing with his daughter and granddaughter. In the late 1980’s Lee and Peggy helped to build a new Go Kart Track at the Ogden Airport where Peggy would score the races as Lee burned up the track. 

Lee was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He joined the church after investigating for over 30 years, never looking back. He served as a temple worker and in many other capacities, but his favorite service came with welcoming everyone to church. He welcomed everyone with a strong hand shake and a warm smile, everyone felt loved by him. This continued until he became too weak to attend church. He spent many years working on his family history leaving behind files for the next generation. He was blessed to watch 2 of his great-grandchildren accept full time mission calls to serve those in the Asian countries he loved. 

Lee and Peggy returned to Henderson, Nevada following retirement where they made their home for 25 years. They built a life with friends gathered around them who watched over them as they began to advance in age. Lee spent the last 5 years caring for Peggy in their home. He watched over her with loving care, ensuring that she made it to each of her appointments and giving her stern instruction when she was need of encouragement. He loved her and it showed by the way he served her until she passed shortly after their 70th wedding anniversary. 

Lee returned to Ogden with his granddaughters following the loss of Peggy. He made his home at Treeo in South, Ogden where they welcomed him with open arms. He spent his last years making friends, dancing and eating and who helped him as his health declined. One of his last outings was to visit the Hill Air Force Museum with the veterans from Treeo. Thank you to all the staff at Treeo for their love, you truly made his last years fun and memorable. With grandpa living close we spent countless hours at dinner, watching NASCAR races and trips for ice cream. It has been a special time spent with grandpa. These memories will comfort us until we meet again. 

Lee is preceded in death by loving wife, beloved daughter and son-in law as well as his mother, father and brother. Lee is survived by his granddaughter Jennie Lee (Danny) Fry, granddaughter Krystal Hughes, grandson Blaine Whittle and seven great grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Kendell Coburn, Jamie and Ariel from Symbii Home Health and Hospice and Hidden Valley Assisted Living for their loving care in his last days. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South. The family will meet with friends Friday prior to the service, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary. 

Interment, Roy City Cemetery. 

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