Stephen Denton

Stephen Barton Denton, 66, of West Valley City, Utah, peacefully passed away early Monday morning, February 10, 2025, at the Peaks of South Jordan Memory Care from the effects of Lewy Body Dementia. Stephen, the son of James Stephen Denton and Vera Eunice Nelson Denton, was born October 26, 1958, at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Steve graduated from Cottonwood High School, and earned Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Business from the University of Phoenix.

Affectionately known as “Stephen”, “Steve”, “D”, and his most favorite titles, “Pops and Papa Bear and Grandpa”, he had a great love for his family, guns, and fast cars, especially Mustangs. He owned several Mustangs and became a championship racer and also enjoyed having his “trophies” from his hunts hanging on his living room walls. The one thing he loved more than hunting and racing was his family, his children and grandchildren. He always enjoyed taking them to his favorite camping and hunting spot, spending time four wheeling and enjoying nature.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Steve was a well-known and respected teacher and scout leader using his knowledge and love of the outdoors while influencing the lives of numerous young men through his efforts in the Church scouting program.

Steve started his own family as a single father and bought his first home at age 18. He was always a hard worker spending many years working professionally at Hercules ATK, followed by Rio Tinto where he drove a house-sized truck until his retirement. He also enjoyed working in his yard and brought rocks from his excursions to use as landscaping. As a great protector and advisor for some of his family, he helped provide many with financial stability.

Steve had a love for history – artifacts, places, and stories. He cherished many great childhood memories and fondly remembered his mother’s cinnamon rolls and putting sugar in medicine. He was a spiritual man and had many sacred experiences. His talents included woodworking and playing the trumpet. He had a great singing voice and was a talented whistler who loved oldie music. Some of his favorite things were watching movies, eating peanut M&M’s and junior mints, and, of course, his beloved Diet Coke.

Preceding Stephen in death are his parents, James Stephen and Vera Eunice Denton; brother, Barry Denton; and sisters, Alberta Joyce Johnson, Nancy Denton, and Sherry Denton.

Remaining to cherish Steve’s memory are his wife of 15 years, Connie; children, Craig Denton (Dollie) and Stephanie Denton; grandchildren, Tayler, Jade, Meeya, Isaiah, Sadie, and Brianne; brother, Charles Denton; sisters, Lorraine Eggers, and Trisha Thomas; his in-laws, many nieces and nephews; and best friend, Calvin Johnson.

As Steve was an avid, dedicated blood donor and hunter, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood, or making a memorial donation in his name to the American Red Cross or the National Rifle Association.

As per Steve’s wishes, no services will be held.
Online condolences may be shared at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home.