Lee Everett Troxel's Obituary
Lee Everett Troxel, 85, of Murray, Utah, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, May 21, 2021 at his home.
Lee was born on February 21, 1936 in Chinook, Montana to George Otis Troxel and Eva Alice Mallory. Lee was the 10th of 10 children, and was a fraternal twin with his brother, Larry Evans Troxel.
Lee was raised in Drummond, Montana where he attended high school and lived until he joined the United States Air force, in 1954. Lee served 8 years and 8 days, completing his service with a rank of Staff Sergeant. Lee always said the best thing he ever did was join the Air Force, and the second best thing he ever did was get out. Lee used the skills learned during his service to continue as an Avionics Technician as a civilian with the US Army at Gray Field, Fort Lewis, Washington. Lee was able to retire from civil service with the US Government in 1986. After retirement Lee taught electronics at ITT Technical Institute in Sandy, Utah.
Lee was married to his wife, Barbara Eldora Andrews on January 4, 1958. They were married in Washington state, where they raised their children. They enjoyed taking family camping trips to visit places like Montana, Ocean Shores, Washington, and the Olympic National Rain Forest in Washington. The two of them also enjoyed singing in harmony together, taking leisurely walks, and going on bike rides.
Lee had many hobbies and interests. He valued artwork and was a painter. He also enjoyed creating and assembling puzzles. He was a cowboy at heart and enjoyed watching western movies and singing old country songs while playing his guitar. He also loved birds, and kept a bird-feeder in his backyard so he could watch them. He often could be found feeding the ducks, and would frequently take his grandchildren with him. The ducks at the park near where he lived would often follow him while he walked around the park.
Lee was a very proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and especially loved attending the temple and did a lot of work there for his family. He visited the temple weekly through most of his life, and attended daily (and even multiple times a day) once he retired. He kept up that schedule right up until Covid-19 forced temporary temple closures.
Lee is survived by his wife, Barbara Eldora Andrews Troxel, and his sister Lois E. Troxel (Nelson), as well as 4 of his 5 children. Lee’s son Larry Lynn Troxel preceded Lee in death. Lee’s surviving children are Mark (and LuAnn) Troxel, Dana (and Candy) Troxel, Joella (and James) Hartshorn, and Michelle (and Kirt) Brown. Lee also has 21 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 11:00 am to noon on Thursday May 27, 2021 at Premier Funeral Services located at 67 E 8000 South, SLC UT 84047, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 pm at Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park located at 17111 S Redwood Rd, Bluffdale, Utah 84065.
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