Leon Mark Wursten was called home after his earthly trial ended, January 30, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 9, 1937, in Providence, Utah, in his grandparents’ home. He was raised in Logan, Utah by his loving little Swiss Mother, Katherine Wursten.

Leon attended Logan city schools. After High School he joined the Air Force, where he became one of the first crew members to fly a AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) flight, making AWACS operational in 1955. While in the service he married Elaine J. Rose. To this union, two children were born, Cheryl Anne (Sherry) and Leon Mark Jr. After his military service, he remained on Cape Cod working as a foreman for B. Perini and Co. He remained on the Cape until his divorce in 1969. He then returned to Logan, Utah to take care of his failing Mother, Katherine. Leon was employed at Leon Stucki Building Specialty Co., managing the store. Other jobs he held during his lifetime were law enforcement, Tool Engineer at Thiokol and Program Manager at Central Valley Machine, until his retirement.

Leon enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, hunting, telling jokes and stories. Most of all he enjoyed family gatherings at the family cabin in Logan Canyon.

In 1970, Leon was reunited with his birthmother and met his eight half-siblings. What joy this brought to him. (One sibling had died in 1967, Craig Albert Perkes, or there would have been 9 siblings to meet.)

In 1972, Leon married Pat Larson Croft and her 5 children, which was another gratifying life experience. He said, “I couldn’t have found children like them anywhere. They brought me great joy!” In 1974, they were blessed with an adorable little son, that tied the family together. They lived in Logan for a short time, then moved to Mendon, where the family enjoyed their farm life for many years, before they moved to River Heights, Utah.

Leon was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, holding many positions. His favorite was Secretary in the High Priests Quorum.

Surviving are: Brothers, Brent (Betty) Perkes, Marriott, UT; Ron Perkes, Layton, UT; Brother-in-law, Jack Warner, Ogden, UT. Sisters, Hope Carol Kohler Mortensen, Salt Lake City, UT; Annette (Michael) Elzinga, No. Ogden, UT; Kathy (Terry) Caselli, Ogden, UT; Karen Lucero, Ogden, UT; Sandy (Jerry) Speigle, Riverdale, UT and Sister-in-law, Carolyn Perkes. Daughter: Cheryl (Faro) Barnhurst, Moreno Valley, CA. Sons: Leon Mark Wursten Jr., Nantucket, MA; Michael (Mandy) Wursten, Hyrum, UT; Stepsons: Stephen (Jenn) Croft, Smithfield, UT; Stan Croft, Logan, UT, Jack (Anthoanett) Croft, Gainesville, VA. Stepdaughters: Carole (Bruce) Jeppesen, Garland, UT & Teresa (Rick) Stanziole, Smithfield, UT. Leon has 29 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Leon will be forever loved and deeply missed by many people.

Preceding in death: Wife, Pat Wursten; Foster Mother, Katherine Wursten Kohler; Mother, Fern Kendrick Perkes; Stepfather, Lyman Perkes; Brothers Gerald & Craig Perkes; Sister, Carole Warner and Brother-in-law, J Ross Mortensen; Grandson, Kellen James Jeppesen.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 6th at 12 pm in the River Heights Stake Center. There will be a visitation on Thursday from 5-7 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary and also at the church on Friday from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Interment with Military honors will be at the Providence Cemetery following services. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.