1956 ~ 2026
Steven L. Reynolds, age 69, passed away on March 21, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, and faith.
Steven was born in Provo, Utah, to Loren and Wilma Reynolds. As the second of seven children, he quickly learned to share, comfort, and mediate. His younger brother recalls him as a wise, calming presence at home. An avid reader from childhood, Steven could answer questions on nearly any topic. As a young man, he played violin and piano, practiced yoga, and, with a slide rule on his belt, embodied nerd cool long before it was popular. Steven earned distinction as a Sterling Scholar in Music and excelled academically.
At the University of Chicago, he studied Mathematics and Philosophy. Later, he served a full-time mission to Thailand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While his church service included teaching the Elder’s Quorum and conducting music for church services, his favorite calling was playing the piano for the children in Primary.
Steven earned his PhD at UCLA and served as a Professor of Philosophy at Arizona State University for 34 years. His students describe him as a generous, patient teacher. He was also a perceptive researcher, publishing numerous philosophical articles and a book, Knowledge as Acceptable Testimony, with Cambridge University Press.
At UCLA, Steven met his wife, Sharman (Ober). After marrying, they raised three sons—Andrew, Ben, and Danny—in Tempe, Arizona. Steven was an especially nurturing father. Sharman left for work early, so each morning he would gently wake his sons, fix their breakfast, and position their bikes on the front stoop for school. He attended every music recital, sports event, and academic function, and never missed an evening reading books together as a family.
Steven is survived by his wife, Sharman; their three sons and families—Andrew, Ben (Amy) and their daughter, Audrey Rose; Danny (Autumn); and siblings Edward, Pat, Susan, Mark, Barbara, and David.
Though Steven struggled with Parkinson’s Disease for many years, he became “a better person, not a bitter one,” caring for others even as he needed more care himself. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 28th at Yalecrest First Ward, 1035 South 1800 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
Dearest family, we share in your sorrows and grief, and your sweet times with Steven while he lived so loudly among us…quiet gentle man that he was. We pray that you feel comfort and peace and rest day by day, and that you know how greatly we love you, and him. Always All Ways
Dad had told me Uncle Stephen died. I am sorry to hear that and send love to Aunt Sharman, Ben, Dan and Andrew. I hope that he is at peace in the afterlife and that you all can find comfort at this time and always.
They announced Steve’s passing in our sacrament meeting today.
My first thoughts were of you, Sharman. You have always been a woman of great faith, knowledge, and common sense; as well as being such a delightful person to be around. This might be another one of those experiences I heard you talk about one time. You had planned and prepared your life to go to England, and you ended up in Sweden; a nice place, but different and not what you had planned for; so you changed gears and directions and learned how to deal with Sweden. You will enter this next chapter just like you have other things, with a positive outlook.
I always enjoyed Steve’s music and his continuously calm demeanor. I also liked watching him interacting with your boys, it was obvious that he loved them in his own quiet way.
Miss you, love Cami