Paul Henry Leese, 79, of Hermosa, South Dakota, passed away on December 3, 2025, in Hermosa, South Dakota.

Paul was born on February 4, 1946, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, to Elwood Cameron Leese and Bessie Marie Mott. His venturous childhood was spent on Whidbey Island, Washington, where he enjoyed boating and fishing on the Puget Sound alongside his eight siblings.

Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably from 1964 to 1967, spending time in Korea where he worked with avionics navigation and imaging equipment. He married Georgean Griffith and later married Nancy Bigsby, with whom he shared 51 devoted years of marriage.

Paul was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and retired in 2006 from San Francisco Local 6. Of his many accomplishments as an inside wireman, he was especially proud of his work on several of San Francisco’s fine restaurants, the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences, George Lucas, The Cable Car Barn, UCSF Medical Center, and projects at several beautiful Napa Valley vineyards. Later in life, Paul and his wife Nancy served faithfully as service missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Leese; his children: Kevin and Thassia Leese; James and Michelle Hamilton; Tamara and Tom Taylor; Les and Brooke Hamilton; Paula Barker; Shelley Leese; and Danyelle and Ryan Joslin. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Jack Leese; Elisabeth Leese; Tyler and Case Hamilton; Jack and Kimberly Hamilton; Claire Hamilton; Daniel Taylor; William Taylor; Phoebe Taylor; Isaac and Danica Hamilton and their son Jacob; Brandon and Paige Hamilton; Brooklyn and Cage Murray and their son Kian; Jensyn Hamilton; Hayley and Charlie Hunt; Mikaela Barker; Myles Barker; Estelle Barker; Alaina Pringle; Evelyn Wilmouth; Anthony Wilmouth; Owen Josin; Olema Joslin; and Alsea Joslin.

Paul is also survived by his siblings: Wayne, Malcolm, Kitty, Laurie, Janie, Steve, Tim, and Gerry.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, 10:30 am at the Mount Rushmore Ward building, with Bishop Mark Terry of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

The family of Paul Leese extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Hennies, the hospice nurses, Visiting Angels, and the members of the Relief Society of the Mount Rushmore Ward for their compassionate care and support.