03/09/2026
Steven H Simpson, age 74, of Thayne, Wyoming, passed away peacefully
in his sleep on February 28, 2026, after a courageous battle and long
decline with Parkinson’s Disease. Steven was born on December 8, 1951,
in Afton, Wyoming.
Steven spent his younger life growing up in Thayne, Wyoming. His
parents, Boyd and Thea Simpson owned Farmers Feed Store. This is
where he learned how to work hard by shoveling grain and steam-rolling
barley. Steven was the oldest of four boys. As soon as he obtained his
driver’s license, he and his younger brothers delivered sacks of rolled
barley to dairy farmers throughout Star Valley.
He graduated from Star Valley High School in 1970. The following year he
accepted a mission call for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He served for two years in the New England States Mission. He spent time
in Massachusetts and Maine, but his favorite location to serve was in Nova
Scotia, Canada.
Soon after returning home from his mission, he reacquainted himself with
his high school classmate, Kathleen Schwab. They soon fell in love and
were married on September 7, 1973, in the Logan Utah LDS Temple.
Steven and Kathy welcomed two children, Shan and Sheila. Steven
cherished his children and devoted a large portion of his life to ensuring
their safety and happiness. He was a very dedicated father.
At the age of 22, he was hired by the State of Wyoming. First as a Port of
Entry attendant, working in the Kemmerer, Jackson and Alpine Ports of
Entry. After returning to Star Valley in 1982, Steven and Kathy built their
home, and he became a Field Representative for the Wyoming Department
of Revenue. Steven retired from the State of Wyoming in 2008 after 36
years of service.
In 1997 Kathy developed breast cancer and passed away on March 28,
2003. On November 8, 2003, he married Rebecca Barrett in the Lubbock
Texas LDS Temple. Becky relocated and became a Wyoming girl, which
began a new happy chapter in Steven’s life. She lovingly embraced Shan
and Sheila. Steven and Becky enjoyed retirement and traveling together.
Steven was a true outdoorsman. He was a skilled hunter and fisherman
and always knew which way was North. He was meticulous with his own
property’s landscaping. Because of his love of farming, he worked part-time
for his cousin for about 40 years moving sprinkler wheel-lines, and planting
and harvesting hay and barley. He even branded his cousin’s cattle, like a
true Wyoming native. Riding snowmobiles, motorcycles and 4-wheelers
was at the top of Steven’s list of hobbies. He loved having someone along
for the ride and would organize hunting parties, fishing trips, and gatherings
to make memories with the people he cared about. Even with Parkinson’s,
Steven never outgrew his need for speed. He drove his power wheelchair
as fast as he could.
Steven battled Parkinson’s disease for 12 years. During that time of slow
decline, he rarely complained. In 2023 it became necessary to move to
Taylorsville, Utah, to be closer to more advanced medical care. The silver
lining was that he also got to be closer to Shan, and Sheila’s family. He
delighted in living very close to Shan and spending time watching sports
and playing games with him. Steven was an extremely devoted grandpa to
his three grandchildren, Melanie, Natalie, and Isaac. He attended every
one of the grandchildren’s performances that he physically could. He truly
cherished family time. However, Steven never gave up his love for Star
Valley, Wyoming, and it will always be his home.
His testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ never wavered. He faithfully
served in many church callings throughout his life, including two bishoprics,
service as a stake mission president, and he loved working in the Star
Valley Temple. He said he had a perfect knowledge of an afterlife and was
not afraid of death. He was always generous in serving God and his
fellowman.
Steven was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen (Schwab) Simpson, his
parents Boyd and Thea (Harrison) Simpson, and grandparents James and
Eunice (Van Leuven) Simpson and Almon and Mary Belle (Chadwick)
Harrison.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca J. (Barrett) Simpson, son Shan S.
Simpson, daughter Sheila K. (Simpson) Hope and son-in-law David A.
Hope with their three children Melanie, Natalie and Isaac Hope, all of Salt
Lake County, Utah. Also, his brothers Nolan (Kaylene) Simpson of Thayne,
Evan (Bev) Simpson of Afton, and Dahl (Chris) Simpson of Afton.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm
in the Thayne LDS Stake Center. There will be a viewing prior to the funeral
from 11:00-12:45 at the church. Interment will take place at the Thayne
Cemetery.
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