Crongy Preston Breedlove III

Crongy Preston Breedlove, III, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, just four days before his 71st birthday.

Born on November 28, 1954, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Crongy was the beloved son of the late Crongy Jr. and Bernice Margret Munding Breedlove.

Life and Legacy of Persistence

Crongy spent his formative years growing up on a remote Nevada ranch, where he cultivated strong work skills and a remarkable "McGyver" ingenuity. This background fostered his innate ability to solve problems with whatever materials were at hand.

He attended Moapa Valley Elementary School and Penn Military Academy before graduating from Moapa Valley High School in 1972. Shortly after graduation, his life took a profound turn when he was severely injured in a construction accident, rendering him a quadriplegic for the following 50 years.

Although physically handicapped, Crongy was defined, not by his limitations, but by his persistence, patience, and extraordinary gifts. He was a brilliant self-taught mechanic and engineer. With a mind for precision, he could meticulously disassemble complex items, understand their inner workings, and fix almost anything that was broken, often directing "a pair of non-handicapped hands" to execute his instructions.

Despite facing untold struggles, Crongy remained positive, kind, and tirelessly helpful to others. He taught invaluable lessons through his example of strength and resilience.

Service to Community and Faith

Crongy’s commitment to service shone brightly through his volunteer work. For 12 years, he served as an ESL aide volunteer at Dixie Downs Elementary, Santa Clara Elementary, and Sunset Elementary schools. From his chair, he dedicated himself to assisting countless students learning English, helping them to succeed both in the classroom and in life. In 2018 Crongy was recognized as the Huntsman Volunteer of the Year for Utah for his dedicated service to Spanish speaking children.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Crongy served faithfully as a home teacher and Primary teacher. He possessed an unwavering faith and held a strong conviction that he would someday be freed from his mortal struggles and physical burdens.

Crongy always asked what he could do for others—he repaired broken things, provided rides, and offered visits and cheer. He was deeply appreciative of any help offered to him and never failed to express his sincere thanks. All who knew him are better because of his powerful influence.

His last earthly birthday party, celebrating what would have been his 71st birthday, was held last Friday, where friends and family gathered to honor him.

Family

Crongy was married to Sherry Leavitt for several years. And although they later divorced they remained good friends.

Crongy is preceded in death by his parents, Crongy Jr. and Bernice Breedlove.

He is survived by his two sisters and his service dog:

• Kathleen Breedlove Petersen, sister (late husband Jim) of St. George, Utah

• Millie Breedlove Clement, sister of Vernal, Utah

• Angel, service dog and constant companion

He leaves behind a legacy through his six cherished nieces and nephews: James Brett Petersen (Jill), Jami Clair Ross, Alexis Oillie Petersen, Jayleen Bergren, Michael Bergren, and Brittany Bergren, and his great-niece, Oaklyn Rose Ross and 6 great nephews, RyLee Bergren, Landon Bergren, Kaysen Bergren, Benny Bergren, Brooks Bergren, and Kayden Worster.

Burial

Crongy will be laid to rest in Ferron, Utah, next to his parents and paternal grandmother at a later date.

Kathy would like to thank Dee Eldridge, Chris Dyke, Bennie Ramos and Jason Reeves for care-giving, shop assistance, and friendship throughout the last years of Crongy’s physical struggles.