Stephen Louis Gibbons

Stephen grew up in both Wyoming and Utah. He was the only son of humble, hard-working parents. Stephen persevered and succeeded, graduating from Ben Lomond High School and later graduating in Accounting from Weber State University. Stephen’s career as an accountant and later CFO moved him all over the Western United States and to Africa. Stephen married his eternal companion and love of his life Ilene Arbon Gibbons on August 19, 1966, in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an avid gardener, hunter, fisherman, golfer, and above all loved spending time with his dear wife and family. His posterity was his pride and joy. 

 Stephen’s life was filled with service. He was often heard saying “What can I do for you?” Stephen was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving faithfully in many callings. Stephen served a 2 1/2 year mission for the church in Paraguay and Uruguay, speaking Spanish. A unique experience he had during this time was playing on a missionary traveling basketball team, playing regional professional teams, opening opportunities to teach the gospel.

 Over the years, he served in many callings including Stake Patriarch, Bishop, Branch President, Bishoprics, Ogden Temple worker and in other positions with the youth. Stephen’s legacy has touched countless lives at home and abroad for good. He loved the time he spent in Africa, while working as CFO of DelMonte’s Kenya pineapple operations. He served in the church as Branch President and was instrumental in establishing the church in Kenya, working with government and church leaders. Above all, his greatest impact was at home as a loving and caring father and friend to youth at church. 

 Later in life, Stephen and Ilene moved from Bountiful to Syracuse, Utah where they frequently enjoyed long drives to Antelope Island and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Their traveling as a couple, with kids and grandkids over the years created many cherished memories. Stephen found pleasure in the small things in life, good neighbors, gardening, and cooking (even threatening the grandkids that he would cook liver and onions). Grandpa was always good for a Hallmark movie that he loved watching with his grandkids. 

 Stephen is survived by his children Shawn (Kerry) Gibbons, Shayne (Nanette) Gibbons, Shennon (Eric) Mercer, Shalynn (Jason) Doran, eighteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren and four sisters. Preceded in death by his wife Ilene Gibbons, daughter Shirene Gibbons, grandson Eric Mercer Jr, parents and one sister.

 Funeral Services will be held Friday July 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Canterbury Park Ward, 1285 S. 2500 W. Syracuse, Utah. Friends may visit family July 12, 2024, prior to services from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. 

 Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Hyde Park Cemetery. 

  The family would like to express their deep appreciation and thanks to the Canterbury Park Ward and Dad’s dear neighbors for their years of loving support and hours of service for our father, mother and family.

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