Joseph LeRoy Stephens, 81, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in Payson, Utah.  Joseph was born June 14, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ernest LeRoy Stephens and Ethel Jerusha Spencer. He was raised by his loving grandparents, Joseph H. and Pearl Stephens, in Mammoth, Utah.  He attended schools in Eureka, graduating Tintic High School in 1956.

Joseph joined the U.S. Navy in 1956 and served his country for four years.  He worked at various jobs throughout his career, including ranching and for the U.S. Forest Service.  He especially loved to ride his horses.  He was a true horseman, riding, shoeing, and rescuing others in need. Joseph was active in the Salt Lake County Fish and Game Club and the High Uintah Back Country Horseman Club.

He married his sweetheart, Rosemarie Taylor on February 20, 1960 in Loa, Utah.  They are the parents of a son and a daughter and were blessed with four grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  He enjoyed leatherwork, the outdoors- hunting, fishing, and camping, especially with his family.  Joseph was also known for helping others and his kind nature.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Rosemarie; children, Breck (Karla) Stephens, Blackfoot, Idaho, Yvonne Stephens (Roberto), Bluffdale, Utah; grandchildren, Amber, Tim, Joey, and Anthony; and two great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents.

Graveside services will be held Friday, December 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, Utah with military honors.