In Loving Memory of Robert Dee Stephens

Robert Dee Stephens, age 90, passed away on June 19, 2026, after courageously battling a severe ear infection. Although our hearts are broken, we will forever cherish the precious and tender moments we shared with him during his final days.

His sister, Judy, calls him Bobby. Others call him Bob. To me, he was simply my Daddy.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on November 16, 1935, Bob lived a life defined by faith, service, hard work, and an unwavering love for his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a member of the Seabees. He considered his military service one of the greatest honors of his life and carried that same spirit of dedication, integrity, and service throughout the rest of his life.

One of the Seabees' mottos is "Can Do." My Daddy exemplified those two simple words through his everyday actions. Whether he was providing for his family, helping a neighbor, overcoming life's challenges, or simply showing up when someone needed him, he approached life with quiet determination that inspired everyone who knew him. He never asked for recognition—he simply did what needed to be done.

Following his military service, Bob worked as a diesel mechanic. Through his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, he provided for his family and made it possible for Jean to stay home with their children. He never complained about hard work because caring for his family was always his greatest priority.

Bob was known for his strong work ethic, kind heart, and willingness to help anyone in need. He had a wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room and was the kind of man people could always depend on. Whether he was lending a helping hand, sharing a laugh, he made everyone around him feel welcome. Even as age and illness began to slow his body, his spirit remained strong. He faced life's challenges with quiet courage, rarely complained, and continued to put the needs of others before his own, never wanting to be a burden to his family.

He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, especially water skiing, hunting, target shooting, and playing cards with family and friends. These simple moments brought him great joy and created memories that will be treasured forever.

More than any accomplishment, Bob treasured his family. His greatest legacy is not measured by what he achieved, but by the lives he touched. When he married Jean, he lovingly embraced her three young daughters as his own and later welcomed a son into the family. Through his unconditional love, guidance, and unwavering support, he gave all of his children a life filled with opportunity, stability, and love.

To his family, Bob was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend. To me, he will always be my hero.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jean Stephens; his mother, Maxine Simons; his father, William Dee Stephens, Jr; his sister, Dorothy Hughes; his brother, Johnny Simons; and his beloved grandson, Ryan Howell.

He is survived by his wife of six years, Carol Stephens; his sister, Judith Renee Ziegler; his children, Dania (Norm) Callaway, Patricia (Dennis) Howell, Cheryl (Alan) Acker, and Robert W. (Jennifer) Stephens.

He also leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren: Dennis, Doug, Brian, Jennifer, Blake, Pierette, Jeramy, Heather, Steven, Kimberly, Sarah, Caroline, and Adam.

Bob's legacy continues through 23 great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Julius, Rhea, Isaac, Kayden, Kristen, Austin, Ryvre, Anja, Malia, Malakai, Jakob, Emily, Jonathan, Mikayla, Lexi, Gwen, Kal, Theo, Charlie, Ethan, Abigail and Ellie; and two great-great-grandchildren, Aaliyah and Areas.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to the caregivers from Senior Helpers, the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and every member of the VA Hospital staff, along with Paul, hospice nurse with Canyon Home Care & Hospice, who cared for Bob. Your kindness, compassion, and exceptional care brought comfort not only to him but to our entire family. We will never forget the dignity, respect, and love you showed him during his final days.

Funeral services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate the remarkable life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend.

As we say goodbye, we find comfort in the final words Bob and Jean wanted to leave with their family:

"Always remember we love you. Be good."

Those simple words beautifully capture the way they lived their lives and the legacy they leave behind. We will carry them in our hearts until we meet again.

"God be with you 'til we meet again."