Steve Thompson

Watch Live-Stream of the Funeral Service HERE.

On December 16, 2025, Stephen Wilford “Steve” Thompson, age 85, yielded to mortality and passed away peacefully surrounded by his son John, daughter-in-law, Ruth, and his son, Ben, in Saint George Utah.

He was born on October 8, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, in the home of his aunt, Viola. He was the second son of Wilford Henry Thompson and the first son of Louise Margaret Taylor. He grew up alongside his siblings Doris, William, Philip, and Mary Louise.

In 1946, following the end of World War II and due to serious health concerns caused by chronic asthma, Steve’s family moved from Los Angeles to the family homestead in Talmage, Utah. Doctors had warned his parents that the climate in Los Angeles threatened his life, and the move to the higher, drier air of Utah proved to be a blessing. Though his childhood was marked by ongoing health struggles, Steve met life with resilience, humor, and determination—traits that defined him throughout his life.

Steve was raised in rural Talmage, where he attended a small two-room schoolhouse and learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and self-reliance. Farm life shaped him early as he helped with milking cows, cutting firewood, irrigating gardens, and working the land. He developed lifelong skills in mechanics, welding, woodworking, leather work, and firearms—interests that stayed with him for decades.

He attended Altamont High School, where he enjoyed shop classes and chemistry, though sports never held his interest. It was during his junior year that a pivotal moment occurred: at a district chorus event in Duchesne, he first saw Donna, the young woman who would become the love of his life. Steve often testified that their love began before this life and that he did not fall in love—he found his love.

Steve and Donna dated for nearly two years and were married and sealed in the Logan Utah Temple on July 28, 1959. Their marriage was the foundation of a life filled with faith, devotion, sacrifice, and shared labor. Together they raised five sons—David (born July 1960), John (March 1962), Blaine (November 1965), Kenneth (February 1968), and Benjamin (December 1977). Family was the center of Steve’s life, and he made time for them no matter how demanding his work schedule.

Steve built a long and respected career in power generation and operations. He worked as a mechanic, operator, and supervisor with Moon Lake Electric and later with the Bureau of Reclamation. His work took the family to Rangely, Colorado; Page, Arizona; and eventually Dutch John, Utah, where he worked at Flaming Gorge Dam. Through diligence and expertise, Steve advanced to Plant Superintendent, overseeing all operations and maintenance. He retired on January 1, 1997, after 28 years of service with the Bureau of Reclamation.

Steve lived a life of service to others and to our Savior's church. He served as a Sunday School superintendent, and in his mid twenties was made a High Priest serving in multiple Bishoprics in Rangley CO. Later, he served in the Dutch John branch presidency and eventually as the Branch President and then the Bishop when the branch became a ward. Eventually he was called to the High Council in the Altamont Stake. Steve and Donna also served faithfully for more than twenty years as ordinance workers in the Vernal Utah Temple. Their service was a defining part of their shared life of faith.

While living in Page, Arizona, Steve and Donna purchased a boat, and even while working shift work, Steve always made time to take his family out on Lake Powell. Later, at Flaming Gorge, they purchased a raft and spent many cherished days taking their family down the river together.

In preparation for retirement, Steve and Donna moved back to Talmage in 1996. They began raising cattle, providing beef for his children and their families. Steve enjoyed sharing his love of firearms with others, and Steve and Donna became Utah Hunter Safety instructors, the only instructors in the state to operate with a private shooting range. They both loved teaching youth about gun safety, hunting, and respect for the outdoors.

Steve did everything with his wife Donna, and they served together as delegates for the Utah State Republican convention for multiple election cycles.

In the fall of 2018, Steve and Donna moved from their property in Talmage to a newly built home in Altamont to simplify life and reduce outdoor work. Shortly before the move, Donna began to suffer from dementia. From that time forward, Steve devoted himself completely to her care, dedicating every moment and every effort to her comfort and well-being until her passing on August 7, 2022.

In 2022, Steve chose to move to Mountain Home, Idaho, to be closer to his son, Blaine, and receive additional help as his own health declined. Later, he moved into assisted living, where he made a positive impact on staff and residents alike with his joyful nature and steady sense of humor.

In April 2025, Steve traveled to St. George to visit his son, John, and after thoughtful conversation and consideration, he chose to move into Spring Gardens Assisted Living. Once again, he quickly made friends and became a source of warmth and comic relief for staff and residents.

Outside of work and church service, Steve loved shooting, hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing, games, watching movies with anyone willing, and spending time with his family. He was known for his mechanical skill, strong work ethic, humor, and deep faith. He was a man who valued honest labor, and remained consistently loyal to those he loved.

Steve lived a life of devotion to family, faithful service, and unwavering perseverance. His legacy lives on in the family he raised, the lives he influenced, and the faith he carried throughout his life.

Steve is survived by five sons, David Stephen (Kip) Thompson, John Edward (Ruth) Thompson, Blaine Leon (Karen) Thompson, Kenneth R Thompson, Benjamin Henry (Crystal) Thompson; multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Philip Thompson, sister Mary Hanberg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; sister, Doris Roundsville, brother William Thompson and grandson Oscar Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Moon Lake/Lake Fork Ward Chapel in Mountain Home, Utah (20800 W 3800 N, Altamont, UT 84001).  There will be a viewing that morning at the church from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Burial will be in the Altamont Cemetery