Leo Holdaway

Leo Sumsion Holdaway was born on October 26, 1929 to Elmer Harold Holdaway and Norma Sumsion. He was born in Nuku ‘alofa Tonga where his parents were serving a 3 year LDS mission. Surrounded by family and his loving wife, he passed from this life on May 23, 2026 in St. George Utah of causes incident to age.

Leo was the second of 10 children, all of which were raised on the family farm in Vineyard, Utah. Being born in Tonga, his parents had a hard time keeping Leo and his two brothers Lynn and Grant clothed upon returning to the US. One time, his mom was attending church when someone pulled her aside to let her know her boys were running around naked outside. Leo loved farm life, and from a young age loved helping his dad raise crops, and help with any aspect of the dairy farm.

As a young adult Leo loved sports and played with the ward softball team. This team went on to win the all church championship! During this championship game Leo hit a home run that secured the win! At 21, Leo served a two year LDS mission in the North Central states, which included southern parts of Canada. Upon returning home, Leo took over the family farm in Vineyard.

While delivering milk Leo met Edith Jane Miller. They dated and were eventually married in the Salt Lake City Temple. Seven beautiful children were born to this marriage. Although this marriage ended, they remained very cordial throughout the years.

Leo eventually sold the farm in Vineyard, and bought a farm in Mud Lake Idaho. While living in Mud Lake, Leo married Beth Wardell Clegg, and they were later sealed in the Temple. Together they built a home on the river in St. Anthony Idaho. They spent summers in St. Anthony, and winters in southern Utah. Eventually the sun and warm weather drew them to St. George full time. No matter where they lived, they loved gardening, spending time outdoors, and traveling.

Leo was preceeded in death by eight of his nine siblings, his parents, and one son Kevin Leo Holdaway.

Leo is survived by his wife of 37 years Beth, six children: Kyle and LaraLee Holdaway, Bryan and Julie Holdaway, Shawn Holdaway and Matt Rich, Chad and Kristy Holdaway, Chris and Cindy Holdaway, Paul and Julie(Holdaway) Scott, and one sister Patricia Parsons.

Viewing for Leo will be held at the Monteview Idaho LDS church on Saturday May 30th, 2026 at 9:30 - 10:45am, with funeral to follow at 11:00am. Interment at the Mud Lake Cemetery.