Donald W Stephens

Donald Wilford Stephens, beloved husband, Dad and Grandpa passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2015, peacefully at the age of 94. He was born in Ogden, Utah to Deforges and Audrey Stephens. He attended Granite High School and graduated from the LDS Business College. When World War II started, he joined the Air Force and became part of the 22nd Fighting Division and fought proudly for our country and flew over 52 missions over Europe. Our world has lost another great man from "The Greatest Generation". When Don returned home from the war, he met and fell in love with Betty Erickson on their first date. He said, "The first time I laid eyes on her, I knew she was the girl I was going to marry and spend the Eternities with." They were married on July 31, 1948 and later their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with three daughters who he adored and said that he would not trade any one of them for a son! Don worked for Prudential Insurance Company. While working there, he met and made many wonderful friends. Mom and Dad built a life with many wonderful adventures with families and friends that included camping and weekend get-a-ways. Dad loved to go to the movies, especially drive-in theaters. There wasn't one John Wayne movie that mom and us girls didn't see. Dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in various callings. He especially liked serving as the Stake Financial Clerk for President James Clegg. He loved the Lord and his family very much. Dad was a quiet man, but boy could he be a "Goof Ball". He always had everyone laughing at his quirky ways. Dad was the kind of man who couldn't throw anything away. We will miss him dearly but we know he is happy once again besides his "Toots" and daughter, Vicki. He is survived by his daughters, Sherry (Richard) Blake and Jody (Steve) Johnson; along with 9 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sweet wife, Betty; daughter, Vicki; and son-in-law, Dennis Johnson. His family wants to express our thanks for the loving care of our father provided by the staff of The Legacy House of Taylorsville and Aspire Home Health Care, especially Jonathan who he trusted and adored. IT'S NOT WHAT YOU HAVE ON THIS EARTH; IT'S WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND! A Viewing will be held Thursday morning, December 3, 2015 from 11:00 to 12:30 at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary located at 4760 So. State Street, Murray, UT. A Graveside Service will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive.