Gerald B. Jerry Stephens

Gerald Blake "Jerry" Stephens, 85, of Livingston, Montana, passed away Monday, December 12th, 2016 at Livingston HealthCare with the love of his family at his side. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory and per Jerrys wishes a formal service will not be held. Jerry was born on October 30th, 1931, in Seattle, Washington. He was the son of Herbert and Della Pearl Winifred (Gaudie) Stephens. He was raised on Vancouver Island, British Columbia where he attended school until age 14. He then decided to fib on his age a bit and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served with them until he came of age and they discovered he had enlisted before he was eligible. Once discharged he re-enlisted with the U.S. Army serving for an additional couple years before enlisting in the Coast Guard. He joined up with the Coast Guard in order to obtain his Merchant Marines license as he wanted to run a tug boat. Following his time with the Coast Guard he took a job with Foss Tug out of the Everett, WA Port. He married and was blessed with nine children while in Washington, they later separated. He married Darlene Graham in 1978 in Yakima, WA. This marriage brought two more kids into the family. Jerry had always liked the rural wilderness of Wyoming and Montana. In 1974, the family moved to Sheridan, WY and then to Livingston, MT in 1982. In Livingston Jerry served the American Legion as their Post Manager for 18 years. He retired in 2001. In his spare time Jerry had many wood working and furniture refinishing projects going. He loved to go fishing and hunting and take family camping trips. He especially enjoyed any time spent with his family, grandchildren and friends. Blessed be his memory. Jerry is survived by his: wife of 38 years, Darlene. Children, Dana (Gloria) Stephens of Odessa, WA; Fabian (Leih) Stephens of Hoods Port, WA; Lynnaire (Roberta) Stephens of Moses Lake, WA; Kimalee Kirkman of Moses Lake, WA; Diana Leland of Moses Lake, WA Anthony (Tammy) Moses Lake, WA; Vallant Stephens of Las Vegas, NV; Dant Stephens of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Luzena Greenwood of Spirit Lake, ID and Penny Page of Ephrata, WA. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren. Siblings, Cora Shelly of Xenia, OH and Herbert William (Gladys) Stephens of Moses Lake, WA. Nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Della Stephens, son, Gerald Blake Stephens Jr., grandson, Duane Kultgen, sisters, Camille Taro and Nancy Maygra. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.