Jay Melvin Steadman

Jay M Steadman, 81, Sandy, Utah, loving Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Brother passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at home, surrounded by his sons.

Dad was born the second son of LeRoy E, and Gladys T Peterson Steadman, September 19, 1933, Murray, Utah.

He lived in several western states during his life, but always considered Utah his home.

Dad was a Marine serving during the Korean conflict, attaining the rank of Sargent, earning several Good Conduct Medals at that time. He was a sniper level rifleman, although he chose not to own or use them, his respect for firearms stayed with him for the rest of his life.

He married Ronna Lea Brooks, April 17, 1954, in Elko, Nevada. Mom passed away June 16, 2002. During their 48 year marriage they lived in Alaska, California, and Utah. They had a deep love and respect for the mountains, the cookouts, camping, and fishing expeditions are legendary. Holiday dinners were always a time for family and friends to gather, eat until we were stuffed and watch sports. Thanksgiving just isn't the same without a game played in the background.

Dad was a machinist by trade, each company he worked for honored Dad for his attention to detail, innovation, and the awards piled up. In Alaska, he worked 12 hour days to provide the then being built Trans-Alaska pipeline precision cuts on necessary joints. In California, he worked for Department of Defense contractors, and I have wonderful memories of his stories from trials at sea. The current space shuttle program should be honored having pieces he machined in place from Raytheon Aircraft, West Valley City, Utah, where he retired. He made and maintained many deep, close relationships with those he worked with, to his death.

He was a master woodworker, his projects adorn both his home and grace the homes of many others. Dad was an inventor, always tinkering with things to make them simpler, more efficient, and in the process developed several gadgets for household use. Like most of his generation, Dad believed why pay someone for things you can do yourself, and as a result he learned plumbing, building trades, electrician duties, our homes were filled with his remodeling projects, skills he tried to pass on to each of us. His mechanical abilities still leave me smiling. We never had to take any vehicle in for repairs; Dad was always on top of it.

After retiring, he and his constant companion Darl Ann Brooks traveled all over. Their impromptu road trips always left both families wondering where they were, smiling at their antics. Upon her death, Dad remarked he was content knowing he had felt the love of 2 wonderful women and not many others would know this joy.

Dad was a loving man, his laughter, hugs, kisses, and that always "come ere lil kid", are imbedded in each of us. His legacy has always been his children; his love for us could never be doubted.

He is survived by his sons Micheal (Brian Rees), Timothy (Carol), John (who was his best friend and chief caregiver) Greg (Jim McCreight), daughter in law Lynda Steadman, 16 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, step children Lori, Todd, Jeff, Shelly, Sherrie and respective spouses, and his brother David (Sheila).

He is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Glady, brothers Glen, Lynn and Dennis, wives Ronna, and Darl Ann, his sons Ronald, and Anthony(Tony) and his much loved daughter in law Kathy.

Services will be held Friday, March 6, 2015, Mount Jordan 2nd Ward, 9331 South 300 East, Sandy, Utah at 12:00 pm. Memorial gathering at the church beginning at 11:00 am.

It was Dad's wish to be cremated and his ashes interred at Veterans Memorial Park, Bluffdale, Utah, where military honors will be provided under the direction of the USMC.

SEMPER FI...............WHOORAH!!