Leslie Robert Mummey
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Leslie Robert Mummey, 76, passed away from complications of an acute stroke on November 10, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. Les was born on August 22, 1946, in Harlem, Montana, to Melvin "Shafter" Mummey and Mildred "Millie" (Jensen) Mummey.
Les spent his childhood in Harlem, where he attended school with his 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He was very mechanically inclined and especially loved cars, so it was no surprise Les learned to work on vehicles at an early age. He spent much of his time modifying cars, including a '32 Chrysler Coupe. Les could fabricate almost anything from metal, and this ability drove his imagination to build countless inventions, including a go-cart from old bed frames and lawn mower engines, with a steering system using pipes. His many creations were unique, and drew upon his special creative talents.
Les joined the US Air Force in 1965 as a Fire Protection Specialist. He was first stationed at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. While in Alaska, he also perfected his bowling skills, and continued to enjoy the sport he loved until his knee replacement in 2020. Les was an excellent bowler, and his many teammates became life-long friends. His second military assignment sent Les to Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. During his time at Altus, Les continued rebuilding cars, and branched out into auto body restoration and painting. Les was honorably discharged in 1969 as a sergeant.
After the Air Force, Les moved several times between Harlem and Tulsa, Oklahoma, before settling in Boise, Idaho. While in Tulsa, Les spent his working career as a welder, fabricator, and mechanic. It was here where he again showed his inventive side, and built his Chev-Volks. Les placed a VW Bug body on to an altered Chevy frame, adding a Rolls-Royce style hood and grill. His automotive creations were always one of a kind, and drew the attention of avid car enthusiasts. Les then moved to Boise in 1999, and finished his working career with Motive Power, a locomotive manufacturing company, working in the fabrication shop as a welder until his retirement.
After he retired, Les became interested in rockhounding, lapidary, and jewelry making. As you would expect, Les built his own rock saws, grinders, and polishing machines. He and his brother, Ron, invested a considerable amount of time searching for the perfect rocks to put through the long process necessary to achieve jewelry-worthy stones. Always generous, Les gifted many family and friends with his beautiful rock jewelry creations.
Les is survived by sons Jeffrey Mummey and Adam Mummey of Oklahoma; daughter Pearl Moreno of Montana; grandsons Drew, Lane, and Austin Mummey of Tulsa; brother Ron (Liz) Mummey of Boise; and sister Janice (Ron) Gilham of Harlem. He is preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Mildred Mummey; grandparents Ole and Ollie Jensen, and Harry and Sarah Mummey; brothers Larry Mummey and Roger Mummey; sisters Karen Mummey and Annie Mummey.
Interment of Leslie's remains will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 27th, at the Harlem Cemetery, with a luncheon reception to follow at Kennedy's Bar.
