Stephen Morelos Eagar passed away peacefully at home with family in Mesa, Arizona, on December 20, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on December 1, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Morelos Eagar and Bernice Bailey Eagar. Stephen’s dad passed away prior to his birth and he was raised by his mom and stepdad, Clyde Nielson. Stephen spent his formative years in Monticello, Utah. He loves telling stories of his youth to the grandkids about how he rode his horse to school and milked cows in the morning and evenings.
Stephen is survived by his siblings Clyda Carpenter (Harry), Ardith Poulsen (Lynn), Rye Nielson (Chris) and Grant Nielson (Marlene).
In 1957, after returning from his service in the US Army stationed in Germany, Stephen married Ada May Jones, the love of his life. Together, they built a life rich in love and adventure while raising their four children: Debbie Robinson (Roy), Denise Farr (Keith), Colleen Bothwell (Joe), and Stephen Clyde Eagar. Stephen was a devoted grandfather to 13 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 26 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
Stephen’s life was marked by his many passions and pursuits. An avid outdoorsman, he found great happiness in hunting, fishing, jeeping and camping. His love for adventure took his family on memorable trips all around the western United States and Canada in the summers. A skilled pilot, Stephen delighted in flying his family in his Cessna airplane, adding yet another layer of excitement to their journeys. After Ada’s passing, he continued exploring the world through cruises with his children, siblings and their spouses.
Professionally, Stephen was an accomplished electrical contractor and entrepreneur who owned several businesses over the years. Among these were a bowling alley in Monticello, Canyonlands Motel, Eagar Electric and the Permanent Wave Skateboard Park in Mesa. His entrepreneurial ventures also extended into real estate and stock trading. Through his work and example, Stephen instilled in his children the values of hard work, honesty, integrity, and service—principles they carry forward with gratitude.
A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stephen served faithfully in various capacities throughout his life. He found joy in mentoring young men and cherished a signed t-shirt from a team he coached in the 1970s as a meaningful reminder of those connections.
Stephen embraced life fully and accomplished everything on his bucket list. His family extends heartfelt thanks to Inspira Gateway Assisted Living for their care during his final years and to Bunker Family Funeral Homes for their compassionate arrangements.
In accordance with Stephen’s wishes, he will be laid to rest with honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. No formal funeral services will be held; instead, family and friends are invited to privately celebrate his remarkable life.
Stephen’s legacy of strength, service, and adventure will forever inspire those who knew him.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
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