Charles Leonard Moon

TWIN FALLS – Charles Leonard Moon, 78, passed away from cancer in Twin Falls, Idaho, on August 13, 2023.

Leonard was born November 2, 1944, son of Charles John Moon and Afton Wilkins. He lived in Declo, the oldest of five children including Patty, Allen, Lorna, and Marilyn. The three oldest children, Leonard, Patty and Allen were born with Congenital Hydrocephalus. There was no treatment for this disease in the 1940s. Leonard’s father died in a drowning accident July 27, 1960, leaving Leonard’s mother a widow with five children on a small farm with milk cows north of Declo. Lovell Turner, a close friend and neighbor encouraged Afton to sell the cows and the farm. Lovell, the principal at Burley Junior High School arranged employment for Afton and Leonard at the school. Leonard was a janitor full-time, worked at Burley Junior High for approximately forty-two years with all benefits and retirement. Leonard was very proud of his work.

During the summers and after school, Leonard spent many days with Lovell and Beth, Dale and Nilene Turner and their families. He loved to work. He learned how to drive a tractor and a pickup. He loved being with Lovell, going to town for errands, and any other opportunity offered to him. He worked and ate many of his meals with the Turner families for years.

When Leonard’s mother passed away February 26, 1990, Leonard received understanding and support from his uncle, Howard and aunt, Donna Wilkins, Lovell and Beth, and Dale and Nilene. Leonard was able to stay in his own home and remain employed with the school district. When the Turners retired and were no longer driving to Burley, Howard made arrangements with the school district to allow Leonard to ride the bus with the students to and from his home in Declo to Burley so he could continue his employment.

After retirement from the schools, Howard and Donna chose MDC Magic Valley for Leonard's new home. This was a difficult decision; however it was a positive move for Leonard. He was loved by the staff and very happy living there for 13 years. He kept the center clean and tidy, mowed the lawn, shoveled snow, used a snow blower, emptied the trash and anything else he could do to help out and stay busy. He loved his rides with the van drivers. He went to monster truck shows, tractor shows, plays, concerts, and county fairs. The van seldom left the center without Leonard on board to go for a ride. The drivers would provide treats and special opportunities, hiking and visiting ATV and tractor stores along with his other wishes. Leonard loved life. He had great support from the drivers, the aides, and the administration. He made friends with the other residents. He liked crossword puzzles, drawing, and bowling. He flew on an airplane twice during the last two years. Once on a crop duster and once in a private plane over the snake river canyon. Because of Leonard’s retirement funds, he was able to buy the Christmas tree each year for the center.

He was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life and rarely missed church on Sunday. Anyone who knew Leonard cannot say his name without smiling.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; his brother. Allen Wilkins Moon; and sister, Lorna Moon Holloway; he was also preceded in death by many friends and relatives who loved and cared for him, especially Uncle Howard Wilkins, Lovell and Beth Turner, and Dale and Nilene Turner.

He is survived by Marilyn (Moon) Franks of Nebraska, Patricia Ann Moon of Twin Falls, and Aunt Donna Wilkins of Paul; his nieces and nephews; and several friends and caregivers.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where family and friends will be received from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/0Qzei-IE52A.