Steven "Steve" Eugene Spaulding, 75, valiantly passed away on December 9,
2025, surrounded by his family. Steve was born on September 12, 1950, to Gene and
Sylvia Spaulding in Lovell, WY. He was the eldest of three children, with two brothers,
Bill and Jim. Steve grew up in Afton, WY and spent much of his childhood riding horses,
herding cattle, and living the cowboy life alongside his father, family, and friends. He
cherished his time in Lovell, WY, especially with his cousins Stan and Richard Fink.
At age fifteen, Steve tragically lost his father during a cattle roundup in Little
Greys River, a loss that deeply affected him throughout his life. He graduated from Star
Valley High School in 1968.
Steve was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam with the 25th
Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division from 1970 to 1971. He was awarded
the Army Commendation Medal with Second Oak Leaf Cluster for his actions during a
firefight saving the lives of his platoon. Though he rarely spoke of his experiences in
Vietnam, he often remembered the men he served with. Later, he joined the Wyoming
Army National Guard and continued his service for several years, remaining a true
patriot.
In 1971, Steve met Sandra Johnson in Afton WY, whom he married on July 3,
1972. They were later sealed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on
October 18, 2023, in the Afton Temple. Together, they had four children: Bill, Michael,
Steve, and Melissa. Steve was a devoted father, spending time with his children
hunting, fishing, gathering firewood, and exploring the mountains of Star Valley and
Greys River. He instilled in them the values of hard work and respect for others.
Throughout his life, Steve worked in various fields, including Star Studs Sawmill,
the U.S. Forest Service, oil fields, as a hunting guide, and for the Wyoming Highway
Department. He was known for his strong work ethic, which he passed on to his
children. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, leather working, reloading ammunition, and
braiding horse reins. He was an avid reader, especially of westerns, Native American
history, mountain men, and military topics.
Steve faced numerous health challenges, including electrocution in 1980, a
massive stroke in 1989, seizures, the loss of his leg, and a heart attack. Despite these
hardships, he maintained a positive attitude, always kept smiling and moving forward.
His resilience inspired all who knew him and served as a reminder to his children to
never give up.

Steve cherished time with his grandchildren, teaching them mischievous tricks to
play on their parents. He had a great sense of humor and was always laughing and
loving life. Steve is preceded in death by his parents Gene and Sylvia, and brother Jim.
He is survived by his brother Bill (Donna), his wife Sandy of 53 years, his four
children—Bill (Ashley), Michael, Steve (Lisa), and Melissa, eight grandchildren—Tyler
(Ariana), Erin, Parker, Dillon (Brooke), Kaden, Karsen, Devan, and Trevor—and two
great-grandchildren, Marceline and Gwen.
Per Steve's wishes, no funeral services will be held; a celebration of life with
family and friends will be held at a future date.