Stephen Matthew Early

Stephen Matthew Early, 65, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, doing what he loved most, napping in front of the TV. He resided in Ogden, Utah, for the past 2 years with his beloved wife, Dalene.

Steve was born and raised in La Mesa, CA, the son of Dr. Thomas Richard Early of Chicago, IL, and Evelyn Mary (Cox) Early of Globe, AZ. The youngest of five siblings, Steve learned early on how to fight for his supper. That being said, he enjoyed long road trips with his family to places like the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, Alaska, his grandfather Mug’s house in Chicago, and Berry Lake in Canada.

On his father’s side, his grandmother Julia helped found the Urantia Society. On his mother’s side, his grandparents Sam and Bertha helped found a socialist Utopia in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. Instead of participating in those, Steve became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a firm believer and had a strong testimony. He enjoyed serving an LDS Service Mission at the San Diego Bishops’ Storehouse.

Steve married Dalene Marie Brown on January 16, 1988, in San Diego, California.

Steve’s hobbies included being very involved in HAM Radio. Steve was a member of the Palomar Amateur Radio Club and American Radio Relay League where he served as the section manager from 2008 to 2016. He had a love for cars, working under the hood, and enjoyed buying broken cars. He was a mechanic 40 years ago, so he would get around to fixing them sometime.

He was a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and had a successful career as an Aerospace Engineer. He also volunteered for emergency services, including Cal-Fire, Red Cross, ARES, and the San Diego County OES.

Steve is survived by his wife, Dalene Marie Early of La Mesa, CA; son, Benjamin P. Early of La Mesa, CA; daughters, Sarah A. Early, Esq. of San Diego, CA, and Stephanie (Scott) Early Downard of Clearfield; three grandchildren; and brothers, Thomas R. Early Jr., James T. (Michiko) Early, and Daniel M. (Sue) Early. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Cathy; and two dogs he never wanted (but loved dearly), Dash and Indiana.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.