December 27, 1936 ~ October 19, 2020
Paul James Stephenson, age 83, of Delta, died of natural causes on Monday, October 19, 2020, in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Paul was born December 27, 1936 in Boise, Idaho, to Kenneth Bennett and Lillian Cutler Stephenson. The third of six children, he was raised primarily in Nampa, Idaho. He graduated from Nampa High School before serving as a missionary in New England for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Paul attended Brigham Young University, where he met Carrie Corless. Paul and Carrie married in the Idaho Falls Temple, August 28, 1962. Paul graduated from BYU with a B.S. degree in accounting. He then attended graduate school at BYU and received a Masters of Accountancy degree. During his time at BYU, Paul served on the university’s honor board and as an officer in Intercollegiate Knight, a service organization.
Paul worked as a Certified Public Accountant for much of his career. In addition to his own firm, he worked for various other entities, including as an auditor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the State of Idaho’s Department of Lands, as well as working as the controller for the State of Idaho Department of Corrections. Paul also taught accounting on a collegiate level, including teaching at Weber State University in Utah and Boise State University in Idaho. In 1983 he began teaching accounting and business classes at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. He taught at Union College until his retirement, after which he moved to Delta, Utah in 2001.
Paul and Carrie had homes in Las Vegas, Nevada; Davis County, Utah; Meridian, Idaho; Corbin, Kentucky; and Delta, Utah.
Paul and Carrie have six children—two sons and four daughters. His children, their spouses, and his grandchildren were the joys of his life. Their children all attended Brigham Young University and have college degrees.
Paul was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life. He served in many positions, among which were a branch president, bishopric member, Young Men’s president, Sunday school teacher, and many Scouting positions. He was a faithful home teacher and minister. From 2010 to 2011, Paul and Carrie served a mission in West Virginia, where they taught institute and supervised seminaries. Paul loved our Lord Jesus Christ and was a diligent disciple of Christ.
Paul loved to serve others. He was an officer in the Red Cross. During his retirement, Paul served as a volunteer reading tutor at Delta North Elementary and Delta South Elementary. He was also an active member of CERTS.
Paul enjoyed many leisure activities. He and Carrie participated in square dancing. He loved sports of all types. He played high school football and played Church basketball and softball. He loved woodworking, doing puzzles, reading, traveling, and playing board and card games.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Carrie, and his children and their spouses: LaMar (Valynne) Stephenson of Delta, Utah; Alicia (Roger) Lucas of Kaysville, Utah; Dale (Donelle) Stephenson of Dacula, Georgia; Suzanne (Clinton) Baxter of American Fork, Utah; Jenny (Mike) Tetto of Waynesboro, Virginia; and Denise (Eric) Smith of Spanish Fork, Utah; 28 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; his sister: Lynda O'Very, West Jordan, Utah; eight in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a grandson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the local Food Bank or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 24, at 11 a.m., in the Delta Stake Center Chapel, 125 S White Sage Ave. A Viewing will be held Saturday, 9:30 to 11:40 a.m., prior to the service. Masks and Social Distancing are encouraged. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery. Online condolences and the link to the recorded Video of the Funeral Service available at www.nicklemortuary.com
