Leonard Lee Mahan

Just a prayer from the family and friends who love you,

Just a memory fond and true,

In our hearts you will live forever,

Because we thought the world of you.

Leonard Lee Mahan peacefully went home to the Lord on November 3, 2025, in Farmington, New Mexico. He was born on February 4, 1939, to William Oscar “Pete” Mahan and Thelma Lee Counts in Rehoboth NM. The family moved to Aztec, New Mexico in 1941 and the raised 5 boys. Leonard attended Aztec schools and made lifelong friends before joining the United States Air Force at 17. He was able to travel to many places including Virginia, Hawaii and Japan during his 4 years of service.

After leaving the service he returned to Aztec where he met the love of his life Charlene “Joy” Horton. They were married on February 19, 1960 - 14 days after they met. Together they brought 3 beautiful children into the world, Anita in 1961, Karen in 1963 and Rob in 1968. He was a welder his entire career which led the family to living many places from Texas to Nevada to Page, Arizona and Grants, New Mexico but ultimately Aztec always called them home. His hard work throughout the years meant so much to his family.

He was an incredible Dad in so many ways but even more incredible when his 4 beautiful grandchildren came- Jolyn in 1981, Heather in 1983, Ariel in 1984 and Matt in 1984. His ability to crack jokes at the dinner table came especially in handy. If you listen carefully, you can still hear roars of laughter coming from that little house on Chamiza. Those 4 grandchildren went on to bring Leonard and Joy 19 great grandchildren.

Leonard loved gardening, fishing, prospecting and telling his children and grandchildren his fascinating stories of exploring the Northwest region of New Mexico. Leonard lost Joy on February 22nd, 2018, after 58 years together. He amazed his entire family with his resilience after losing Joy, also helped by the comfort he found in his dear friend Evelyn Locke who he has known since grade school. He remained warm and compassionate until the final moments of his life. He will be eternally loved and perpetually missed by all who knew him.

Leonard is survived by his 3 children- Daughter Anita Farley and son in law Marvin, daughter Karen Lamprecht and son Rob Mahan. He is remembered by his grandchildren Jolyn Enright and husband Nate Enright, Heather Lamprecht and husband Brandon Rowlands, Ariel Janczak and husband Curtis Janczak, Matt Lamprecht and wife Sarah Jeschke. We are continuing his legacy by telling dinner table jokes to his 19 great grandchildren who will remember Papa Mahan fondly. Leonard is also survived by many nieces and nephews, friends and acquaintances. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Desert Heights Church, 1835 E. Main St, Farmington, NM with Pastor Brent Heddin officiating. His care is entrusted to Farmington Funeral Home.