Lee Ned Hancock

Lee Ned Hancock was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened.

Lee was born on January 17, 1942, in Payson, Utah, to Ned and Melva Hancock. He grew up alongside his siblings, Nancy and Deeann. From an early age, Lee demonstrated the character, determination, and quiet strength that would define his life.

After attending Utah State University briefly, Lee made the courageous decision to serve his country by enlisting in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He served on the USS Topeka. Following his military service, Lee began his career as an engineer at what is now Northrop Grumman. He worked there until his retirement in 2003, after 40 years of dedicated work.

During this time, Lee met the love of his life, Marilyn Jean Lavender. They were married on 3/30/1968 and soon welcomed their daughter, Marcy Lynne, into the world. Marcy was their only child and later married Jon Adams. Together, Marcy and Jon gave Lee and Marilyn three beloved grandchildren: Alexa, Cat, and Chris Adams.

Above all else, Lee loved his family. Throughout his life, he willingly made sacrifices and changes to better care for those he loved. After meeting Marilyn, he embraced and became more involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of the love they shared. When his first grandchild, Alexa, was born, he quit smoking so he could be there for her and enjoy more years with his family. It was one of many quiet acts of love that reflected the kind of man he was.

Lee was always eager to help his grandchildren, whether it was building a project, solving a problem, or simply spending time together. An accomplished woodworker, he loved creating handcrafted gifts that his grandchildren would treasure. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when he could share those experiences with his grandchildren outdoors.

Travel was another passion that Lee and Marilyn shared. Together with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, they created lifelong memories exploring new places. Some of their favorite family adventures included trips to Washington, D.C., Scotland, Ireland, England, France, and his most favorite Costa Rica.

Retirement gave Lee and Marilyn even more opportunities to devote themselves to their family. Whether it was hosting sleepovers, offering wise advice, or simply spoiling them with affection and thoughtful gifts, Lee found great joy in being a grandfather. Family gatherings were especially meaningful to him. Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas celebrations became cherished traditions at the Hancock home, where everyone was welcomed and surrounded by love.

Lee was a devoted family man, a proud veteran, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He appreciated the beauty of nature just as much as he enjoyed exploring cities and historical places with those he loved. He will be remembered as a kind, intelligent, humble, and deeply caring man whose quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

After a long and courageous battle with several health issues, Lee passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by the love of his family. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the family he loved so deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and most beloved daughter Marcy.

His memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

There will be a viewing on Sunday, August 2nd from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home 4330 South Redwood Road Taylorsville ,Utah 84123.

His grave service will be at the Veterans Cemetery on Monday, August 3rd located at 17111 S Camp William Road, Bluffdale, Utah. The service will start at 1 pm.