Paul Eugene Leonhardt

Paul Eugene Leonhardt, affectionately known as "EPH," passed away on February 21, 2026, in Ogden, Weber, Utah, at the age of 72. Born on September 27, 1953, in American Fork, Utah, he was the son of Heinz and Lola (Terry) Leonhardt.

On December 1, 1978, Paul married Judy Arlene Jones in Salt Lake City, Utah, beginning a beautiful partnership that lasted through the years. Paul lived in several communities, including American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Tremonton/Garland, and North Garland, Utah.

His educational journey began at American Fork Elementary from 1959 to 1965, followed by Pleasant Grove Jr. High and High School, where he graduated in 1971. Paul then pursued further studies at Utah Valley Trade Tech from 1971 to 1973, earning an associate degree in Drafting Technology.

Throughout his career, Paul held various positions, starting with a local newspaper route. He worked on the grounds crew at American Fork Training School during the summers and served as a Drafting Tech with Chicago Bridge & Iron in Salt Lake City from 1973 to 1976, returning from 1978 to 1984, before spending his later years at Nucor/Vulcraft in Brigham City, Utah, from 1984 until his retirement in 2012.

Paul received many awards and special achievements including Industrial Arts Sterling Scholar, BSA Eagle Scout and JR Achievement Advisor w/CBI. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1976-1978 in the Kentucky, Louisville mission and was a BSA scout leader from 1985-2018.

In his personal life, Paul had a passion for leatherwork, woodworking, hunting, camping, and hiking. He found joy in exploring historical sites, enjoying scenic drives, and appreciating nature, particularly birds and wildlife. Paul enjoyed reciting cowboy poetry, listening to western music, while singing along, and collecting Cowboy Rendezvous CDs and all things Bears.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Cowboy Poetry and Music Rendezvous and loved western dancing. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned his BSA Wood Badge WE2-589-3-90-25 in the Bear Patrol, under Sue Andersen, and was an Assistant Scout Master to Mike Perkins & Bruce Anderson. He was a member of Lake Bonneville Council & Trapper Trails Council. He was also a Son of Utah Handcart Pioneers (SUP) through his Hooley family line.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Jones) Leonhardt; sisters MaryLyn (Leonhardt) Smith, (MarLin Smith), Kathy’s kids; niece Jodie (Pendley) & nephew Jason Pendley and their father Doug Pendley; MaryLyn’s kids; niece Lisa (Smith) & nephew Eric Smith; grandnieces & nephews; aunts Mary E. (Leonhardt), Helen A. (Leonhardt), Naomi (Terry) Nielsen; Leonhardt cousins David, Dennis, Diane & Daney; Nielsen cousins J. Craig & Debra and other (Terry) cousins.

He is preceded in death by his sister Kathleen (Leonhardt); parents Heinz & Lola (Terry) Leonhardt; uncle Paul H. & Aunt Barbara (Omer) Leonhardt; grandparents Walter E. & Martha C. (Fach) Leonhardt and George W. & Melda (Hooley) Terry; step grandfather Delbert Carson; great-grandparents Leonhardt & Pilz, Fach & Rohde & step great grandfather, Otto Brandt; great-grandparents Terry & Ekins, Hooley & Park of Park City, Utah.

A private service will be held to honor Paul.

Special thanks to all the compassionate & skilled caregivers of Bear River Valley, Logan Regional & McKay Dee Hospitals. For all the special services of Donor Connect in Murray, Utah at www.donorconnect.life. Special thanks to our friends & neighbors for all your prayers and support- it means a lot; also to those at Rudd Funeral Home in Garland/Tremonton- thanks for all your caring help and support to our families.

In lieu of flowers, condolences and memories can be shared at www.ruddfuneralhome.com or sent to P.O. Box 51, Tremonton, Utah 84337. Donations may also be made to the local church youth camp Earley Park or the local BSA Camp Fife by Cutler Dam.

Thanks so much for all your caring love & support.

Paul will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and the love he shared with those around him.