Stephen Jay Flanders, a lifelong resident of Tooele, died Sunday, April 26, 2020.
Jay was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Tooele, to Stephen Francis and Mary Gwendolyn Lewis Flanders. A proud graduate of the Tooele High School class of 1956, he cherished many friendships with his classmates.
After high school, Jay proudly served in the Air Force for four years.
He married Carol LaRee Jasperson on Feb. 16, 1963. Together they raised their two children, Stephen Martin (Marty) and Wendy. Many Friday night sing-a-longs with Jay and his guitar and fun fishing, hunting and scouting trips were had over the years.
Jay worked at Dugway Proving Ground in the instrumentation division until his retirement in 1993. He also served as the president of the National Association of Government Employees at Dugway and enjoyed representing his coworkers.
After retirement, Jay and Carol enjoyed several fishing trips as well as vacations to visit family across the country. Dad also became active in the local chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, and helped with many historical projects around Tooele County, including researching the information for the statues at the Tooele Public Library. In his later years, Dad enjoyed playing with his friends in their “band” for the folks in area care facilities. He loved making people smile with his music.
Jay was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many positions and loved his 14th Ward family.
After Carol died in 2018, Dad moved to the Beehive Home in Tooele. He tried his hardest to be happy despite his dementia, but longed to be with Mom. We truly think he died of a broken heart and are so happy he has finally found his love.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Marion, Betty, Margaret, Shirley and Jim. He is survived by his children Marty (Cheryl) and Wendy; grandchildren Stephen Flanders, Camille Coons, Naomi Leighton, Patrick McAtee and Parker McAtee; and five great-grandchildren; as well as a large extended family who all loved him dearly.
Special thanks to the many people who cared for our dad, including the staff and residents of the Beehive Home of Tooele, Dr. Sergio Abarca and Tori, and everyone who took the time to visit and take him on rides. He loved you all.
A viewing will be held Friday, May 1, 2020, from 11 a.m. to noon, at Tate Mortuary, followed by a graveside service at Tooele City Cemetery.