Leon Dee Hicken

July 9, 1934 - February 2, 2019

Leon Dee Hicken was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 9, 1934, the seventh child of Elijah and Erma Inez Jensen Hicken. He passed away peacefully on February 2, 2019 at Life Care Center of Escondido located in Escondido, California. He grew up in Richmond, Utah where he graduated from North Cache High School. After he received his Bachelor's degree in mathematics from Utah State University, Leon went to work at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Thus began a long career in computers, including private companies and Aerospace (Apollo project and B-2 program). He also worked on interactive video programs for the San Francisco Zoo, Salt Lake Planetarium, and a museum in Saudi Arabia. He taught classes at Utah State University, Palomar College and Mira Costa Community College. Leon was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving for many decades as ward and/or stake clerk. He enjoyed reading, yard work, and walking with the animals at the Wild Animal Park. Leon married Colene Jensen on July 26, 1957 in the Manti LDS Temple. He lived most of his married life in Southern California. He is survived by his wife Colene and five children: Trixie Marie (Ed) Hahn of Ogden, Utah; Beverly (Steve) Larsen of Ririe, Idaho; Shirley (Doug) LaJoie of Edgewater, Maryland; Arthur (Shannon) Hicken of Upland, California; and Wendell Hicken of Newport Beach, California. He was the proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. The family greatly appreciates the caring services of Alhiser-Comer Mortuary.