Obituary for Leo Wade Chynoweth
Leo Wade Chynoweth – Obituary
Leo Wade Chynoweth, 70, passed away on March 3, 2023 peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Leo was born July 3, 1952 in Panguitch, UT to Wade Leo Chynoweth and Mary Alice (Baugh) Chynoweth. He married and later divorced Jean Janet (Pollock) Hall, with whom he had two children: Stacy Wade Chynoweth and Shelly Jean (Chynoweth) Imlay. He was also blessed later in life with another son: Shay Kestler.
Leo was raised in Henrieville and graduated from Bryce Valley High in 1970. He was a true cowboy, even as a child, and could be found with his dad Wade helping with the cows and farm. In his teenage years, he was very active in high school rodeo. He had a love of fast horses, fast cars, and pretty women. He roped himself just such a woman in April of 1976 and together they had two children. Just as his father taught him, Leo instilled a love of farm and ranch life to his kids. They could be found under his arm as he drove heavy equipment, often falling asleep with him as he worked. Leo continued his love of rodeo and fast horses with his daughter, Shelly. Leo had a way with animals and could tame even the wildest, ensuring that his daughter always had the best horses. He gave up his fast cars for the big “Dually” to make sure he could always be at each rodeo with her.
Leo was also known for his work ethic. After high school, he began working at the Kaibab Lumber Company. He quickly became known as one of the best lumberjacks at the company. This job allowed his family to travel back and forth from Henrieville to the Kaibab Forest where they spent summers camping. Leo became gifted with the use of a Dutch oven and could make the best camp breakfasts. After Kaibab Lumber, Leo took a position with Bryce Canyon National Park where he worked as a heavy equipment operator until he retired in 2014.
The later years for Leo were not as bright, but this cowboy displayed true grit during those times. Leo was diagnosed with cancer just before his retirement from Bryce Canyon. He had quite a few close calls, but somehow always pulled through. In this time, the tough ole boy softened and he restrengthened relationships with his family through his trials. One thing is for certain, this ole cowboy will be remembered as the legend that he was.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents Wade Leo and Mary Alice Baugh Chynoweth. He is survived by his children: Stacy Wade Chynoweth, Shelly Jean Chynoweth Imlay (Keith), and Shay Kestler; his sibling: Paula C. Henrie (Mark); and two grandchildren.
Services for Leo will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM at the Henrieville Ward building (95 North Center Street, Henrieville, UT). There will be a viewing from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM just prior to services. Interment will be under the direction of Heartlight Affordable Funeral Services (435) 586-3456.
Online condolences and memories of Leo can be posted online at affordablefuneralservices.com.
Leo Wade Chynoweth, 70, passed away on March 3, 2023 peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Leo was born July 3, 1952 in Panguitch, UT to Wade Leo Chynoweth and Mary Alice (Baugh) Chynoweth. He married and later divorced Jean Janet (Pollock) Hall, with whom he had two children: Stacy Wade Chynoweth and Shelly Jean (Chynoweth) Imlay. He was also blessed later in life with another son: Shay Kestler.
Leo was raised in Henrieville and graduated from Bryce Valley High in 1970. He was a true cowboy, even as a child, and could be found with his dad Wade helping with the cows and farm. In his teenage years, he was very active in high school rodeo. He had a love of fast horses, fast cars, and pretty women. He roped himself just such a woman in April of 1976 and together they had two children. Just as his father taught him, Leo instilled a love of farm and ranch life to his kids. They could be found under his arm as he drove heavy equipment, often falling asleep with him as he worked. Leo continued his love of rodeo and fast horses with his daughter, Shelly. Leo had a way with animals and could tame even the wildest, ensuring that his daughter always had the best horses. He gave up his fast cars for the big “Dually” to make sure he could always be at each rodeo with her.
Leo was also known for his work ethic. After high school, he began working at the Kaibab Lumber Company. He quickly became known as one of the best lumberjacks at the company. This job allowed his family to travel back and forth from Henrieville to the Kaibab Forest where they spent summers camping. Leo became gifted with the use of a Dutch oven and could make the best camp breakfasts. After Kaibab Lumber, Leo took a position with Bryce Canyon National Park where he worked as a heavy equipment operator until he retired in 2014.
The later years for Leo were not as bright, but this cowboy displayed true grit during those times. Leo was diagnosed with cancer just before his retirement from Bryce Canyon. He had quite a few close calls, but somehow always pulled through. In this time, the tough ole boy softened and he restrengthened relationships with his family through his trials. One thing is for certain, this ole cowboy will be remembered as the legend that he was.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents Wade Leo and Mary Alice Baugh Chynoweth. He is survived by his children: Stacy Wade Chynoweth, Shelly Jean Chynoweth Imlay (Keith), and Shay Kestler; his sibling: Paula C. Henrie (Mark); and two grandchildren.
Services for Leo will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM at the Henrieville Ward building (95 North Center Street, Henrieville, UT). There will be a viewing from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM just prior to services. Interment will be under the direction of Heartlight Affordable Funeral Services (435) 586-3456.
Online condolences and memories of Leo can be posted online at affordablefuneralservices.com.