July 23, 1942 ~ Jan. 18, 2021
Raymond Layne Stephenson born July 23, 1942 in Fillmore, Utah passed on from his mortal life and on to his next step on his eternal journey on January 18, 2021.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 51 years Ann Stephenson, 8 children Andrea (Chris), Tara, Brandon (Mary), Vita (Rob), Camm (Amber), Ralani (Dwain), Ethan (Janell), Cayce (Kimberly), 14 grandchildren, and siblings Jac and Merla.
Raised in Holden by Merwin and Lenora. Raymond participated in many activities including football, wrestling, and track. He continued participating in Track and Field, throwing the javelin with a scholarship at Utah State University. However, the desire he had ever since he was a little kid to fly soon took over. That desire quickly turned into a passion. He decided to join the Navy and graduated from the Naval Academy as a naval aviator. During his service he became a decorated Vietnam Veteran. After his tour in Vietnam while stationed in Pensacola as a flight instructor he met his wife Ann. They were married December 6, 1969 in Pensacola, Florida and sealed for time and all eternity in the Honolulu, Hawaii temple May 15, 1974. After many stops Raymond dragged Ann back to his home town of Holden.
Ray owned a service station, delivered packages for UPS and gained many lifelong friendships during his 20 years there, after retirement he found joy with his time serving with the EMS and Millard County Search and Rescue. Again through his time with Search and Rescue his passion took over again and could fly once more. He also took the position as Post Commander in the American Legion Post 261.
In his latter years Raymond spent most of his time chasing his grandchildren following them in their many endeavors and competitions and visiting with his children. He loved serving with his wife as English teaching missionaries in the Fillmore Utah Stake. During his time at home he loved writing poems, short stories, and practicing his artwork.
He loved and served his community in any way he could. He always looked out for others and constantly found ways to better other's lives. He will be missed by all those that knew him.
Graveside services will be held Monday, January 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Holden Town Cemetery. Services can be watched live at rasmussenmortuary.com.
