Dell "Gene" Stevens

Dell Gene Stevens, Age 88, passed away on December 14, 2024, in Murray, Utah. He was born on July 27, 1936, to Floyd Christopher Stevens and Leola Wanda Johnson Stevens in Kanab, Utah.

Gene's early years were marked by a love for crafting. He spent time making pottery and trinkets for his mother. As a young teenager, he worked hard at the family sawmill in North Fork, Utah. Growing up between North Fork and St. George, he developed a strong work ethic, often helping to load logs onto trucks and transporting them down the canyon.

In high school, Gene's passion for cars began to take shape. He and his friends spent countless hours building hotrods, honing his mechanical skills. During the summer after high school, Gene met a beautiful young lady who worked at the local Dairy Freez and who shared his enthusiasm and energy. After a whirlwind courtship, he married LuAnna Adams on May 1, 1957, in St. George, Utah. Following their marriage, Gene and his wife relocated to Salt Lake City, where he began his career as an engineering technician at Hercules, a position he held for over a decade. 

Seeking greater independence, Gene left Hercules to pursue entrepreneurship. He opened Nelson Car Sales in Kearns with his long-term business partner Howard Nelson. After a few years, he decided to go on his own by starting Doctors and Executive Lease, a car dealership in West Jordan where he bought and sold new and used vehicles. His innovative spirit led him to start up Modular Fabricating Inc., a company that prefabricated buildings, a concept well ahead of its time. 

Gene's next ventures, ASCO and Centennial Enterprises, focused on traditional home construction. He built many homes in the West Jordan area, employing his sons during the summer months. Throughout this time, his love for cars continued as a weekend hobby. He restored numerous classic cars, including a prized 1948 Chrysler Town and Country Woody Convertible, which won numerous awards at local car shows.

In response to the housing market downturn of the late 1970s, Gene returned to the automotive industry, founding D&E Sales. He spent the next 40 years building his business, specializing in rebuilding salvaged vehicles. He actively involved his children, passing on his skills and nurturing their shared passion for cars. 

Gene's influence extended beyond cars. He supported his children's interests in various motorized vehicles, from ATVs to electric cars, often building and customizing them together. 

LuAnna was the cornerstone of his life, providing love, support, and a stable home for their family to grow up. His greatest joy was in the accomplishments of his children. All his sons pursued successful careers in engineering, and his daughter became a successful entrepreneur, a testament to his early influence, and which serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication.

Gene is survived by his ex-wife, LuAnna; sons, Kelly (Joyce); Larry (Tracey); Greg (Diana); Brian (Grace); and daughter, Valerie Stevens; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and 10 step-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his brother Orlan, his parents, his sister Rosalee Ruesch, and her husband, Vernal Ruesch.

A life celebration will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Memorial Redwood Mortuary; 6500 S. Redwood Road; West Jordan, UT 84084. Viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 A.M., with service for family and friends at 11:00 A.M. Interment to follow at the on-site Memorial Redwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for Dad’s doctors, nurses, IMC Hospital staff, the Abbington staff, and Canyon Hospice for their invaluable, diligent, patient care for our father. Everyone made such a difference. Thank you all.