Charles "Leon" Burningham

Charles “Leon” Burningham passed away peacefully March 4, 2025 at home, surrounded by loved ones. Born September 16, 1933 to Charles and Myrtle Burningham, in Salt Lake City, UT, Leon was the second oldest of six children.

Leon married the love of his life Bonne Burningham, on April 19, 1952 and together they raised five children.

As a young adult, Leon worked for a short time in the mines alongside his father, and later followed him to May Foundry, where he continued to work with his father and brother Delbert, until he retired.

Leon had many hobbies, including hunting, camping, boating, backyard mechanics, wood working and creating aluminum castings from his own mini-foundry he built in his garage.

However, his favorite hobby was spending time with his family, especially all of his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren when they came to visit.

Leon loved being surrounded by children, and created an environment that kept all kids busy when they visited him. Whether it be riding bikes, playing on the swing set he built, spinning on the whirligig, playing in the sandbox or riding the 3-wheeler in the field, everyone knew they could go to grandpas and have a good time. Even as they grew up, grandpa opened his yard and garage to the older kids to work on cars or whatever they needed to do.

We will miss Sunday Pancakes at grandpas.

We will always remember the famous “love pat” that every kid got as they walked in the house, and we will never forget the unconditional, selfless love that he showed, not only towards his own family, but others as well.

Leon is preceded in death by his wife, parents, all siblings and 3 grandsons.

He is survived by his children, Elaine Vanamen, Glen Burningham, Eldon Burningham, LaNae Marchand and Charlene Zimmerman, 24 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and countless other friends and family members.

A viewing will be held Monday, March 10th from 11:00 - 1:00 at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State St. Midvale, and a Graveside service at 1:30pm at the Memorial Estates Redwood, 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan.