Photograph of Kevin Wesley Stephens

Kevin Wesley Stephens

December 1, 1966September 20, 2026


Kevin Wesley Stephens passed away in a tragic accident on September 20, 2026. He will be missed more than words can ever express.

Kevin was born December 1,1966 in Harbor City, California, to his father, Leonard Wesley Stephens and his mother, Nancy Merlyn Lynn Shehyn. Kevin rejoiced in God’s plan of happiness and in serving others.

His greatest love was his family. He deeply loved his wife, Linda. She was his all. He deeply loved his children, Ashlie, Tanner, Sawyer, Maggie, Ellie, and Levi. He showed his love for them by providing and serving at any given opportunity.

Kevin loved being outdoors. He was an exceptional fisherman, gardner (best garden fresh salsa maker ever!), beekeeper, marksman, hunter, pitmaster, and could fix anything with a motor or any space in a home. He took great care in his craftsmanship and everything he created.

Kevin loved boating! He was masterful at backing any trailer or boat down the ramp in order to keep everyone safe. He especially enjoyed being at Lake Powell with family and friends. These vacations were at times filled with stress, yet they were a source of creating great memories. He wanted to connect with his loved ones. The water was his happy place.

He enjoyed ice fishing and camping with friends, family and the many youth (young men and young women) he served while in scouting and other callings. Making sure there was safety and being prepared for every outcome was his expertise. If there was going to be an apocalypse, then he was the one you would want to be with. He would have been offended if you had gone to the neighbors.

Kevin enjoyed laughing, joking, telling funny stories with his sister, brothers-in-law, church-buddies (that means you), and the entire family. He was often the comic relief. He would intentionally joke, prank, make things funny (perhaps with poor timing), guaranteed to make himself laugh in the effort to make everyone laugh.

Kevin was driven to serve others. If someone called on Christmas Eve with any disaster, large or small, he would be there at the drop of a hat. He said yes to any calling ever extended to him as he served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His favorite callings always involved serving the youth.

Kevin created beauty as he did work in practically every county in Utah. Many homes, yards, and buildings have his signature in and throughout them. His signature is in all of these spaces he created with joy, patience, frustration, and determination. May we continually see and feel his presence as we move through these spaces.

Kevin was fiercely protective of his loved ones. He was a Marine (1987-1991). There are some good stories about his taking out the predators that would get his chickens. He was someone you wouldn’t want to meet in a back alley if you crossed his loved ones (at least that was the vibe, not what would actually happen). He had the biggest teddy bear heart! Underneath all his bravado was love. So much love which he often expressed through so many small acts of kindness, his work, construction, service for others, or creating something to add to the beauty of the world he treasured.

Kevin leaves a legacy of service and continual growth. We are grateful for his courage to keep learning how to tend the garden of his own heart.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, his children, grandchildren, his sister, his nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, father-in-law, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and all who knew him. Kevin is welcomed Home by his father, Leonard Wesley Stephens, mother-in-law, Naomi Bonney, and many others who are rejoicing at his return.

A viewing will be held Friday, September 25 from 6:00-8:00 PM and Saturday, September 26 from 10:00-10:45 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM (Crescent View 2nd Ward 10975 South Prescott Dr, Sandy, Utah). The interment will take place at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.

To view Kevin's service online via Zoom, please click the tab above that says "Watch Services" or follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82852749742