Byron LeRoy Stubbs

Byron Leroy Stubbs of Bountiful passed away peacefully on January 28, 2023, at the age of 90. He was born April 13, 1932, to Mildred Bernice Downs and Edson Leroy Stubbs in Lakeview, Utah. He is survived by six of his seven children: Todd (Leigh), Kirk (Debbie), Gina (Steve Young), John (Holli), Glen (Tina) and Jared (Christina); and his brother-in-law Jim Garmoe. Byron was preceded in death by his wife MarJean Stratton, daughter Sherrie Baker, granddaughter Shanna Stubbs, grandson Chris Stubbs and great-grandson Elijah Wardell.

When Byron was just a year old, his mother passed away. He was raised by his Father and his sisters on the family farm in Lakeview, Utah. He enjoyed sports, hunting, horseback riding, camping, and worked hard on the farm. In the evenings, he and his father would pass the time playing the trumpet together. In high school, he continued to excel in music; he played the trumpet in the band at Lincoln High. He had a beautiful tenor voice and often sang solos at weddings and toured with the choir as well.

On September 18, 1952, he married MarJean Stratton in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for 70 years; she was his sweetheart. His home and family were the highest priorities in his life.

After high school, he attended Brigham Young University and was enrolled in the ROTC program. He graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science in 1954. Upon graduation from Brigham Young University, Byron became an Officer in the United States Air Force and was eventually promoted to Captain. He was trained as a pilot and flew various aircraft from fighter jets to C-117 and B-52. He and MarJean were stationed at several Air Force Bases in the western United States. While serving in the military, he also served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Elders Quorum and other church callings. His testimony of Jesus Christ was greatly strengthened during his time in the service.

After completing four years in the Air Force the couple returned home to Utah, and Byron attended the University of Utah Law School, graduating in 1961. He practiced law in Salt Lake City for several decades and continued to serve as an Air Force reserve pilot as well. Byron carried a strong sense of patriotism throughout his life.

As his family grew, he combined his love of family and sports with coaching and teaching. He played and coached basketball, football and baseball. Many of his sons’ friends knew him as “Coach Stubbs” as he generously volunteered his time and money to share his love of sports. He was a feisty competitor and not afraid of any challenge. He continued to play basketball with the “senior men” in the Bountiful 16th Ward until the age of 72.

He was an avid BYU fan – one of his favorite activities was attending BYU football games both home and away; driving to the home games and flying MarJean and the kids to away games in his Cessna 182.

Byron was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved studying the gospel, doing missionary work and serving in many capacities but his favorite was scouting. His influence with the youth was far reaching as he served the youth of the ward in scouts and Young Men’s for over 30 years.  He led scouts and youth groups on many outdoor adventures; backpacking, water skiing and snowmobiling. His caring nature and genuine concern for others allowed him to influence many, whether helping them legally or spiritually. He was a passionate champion for those who could not help themselves. All who knew him felt that he had a significant influence upon them.

He had a strong testimony of the Savior and His gospel. He and MarJean served a two-year mission at Salt Lake City Temple Square.

Above all he was a wonderful Father and Grandfather. He had 23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was also an involved step-grandfather to an additional 18 grand and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the Bountiful 16th Ward, 720 East 550 North, Bountiful, Utah. An evening viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2023, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful. Another viewing will be held from 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Saturday at the church prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to the services and will be posted below.