Steven Donald O'Dwyer

Steve passed away in Grand Junction, CO on September 24, 2017 surrounded by family. He was born in Alhambra, California, but moved to Hot Sulphur Springs, CO when he was three. His mother met and married William Gerald O’Dwyer in 1947 and he later adopted Steve. His two brothers Jerry and Dennis were born there. He moved to Grand Junction for a short time as a youth, but in 1954 settled in Fruita in a log cabin that his dad built. He finished school in Fruita graduating from Fruita High in 1962.

When Steve was eight years old, he and his parents were baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In high school, he became one of the first students in the new seminary. During his youth in Fruita, he helped with building the Fruita Chapel and worked in the hay fields. He loved music and played in a dance band after high school as well as sung in church choirs throughout his life. He served a mission to the Northern States Mission and especially loved serving in the Nauvoo area.

He went to college in Pueblo for a short time, but eventually moved to Phoenix, AZ. His car broke down getting into Phoenix, and that is how he met his lifelong friend Terry Starks. After being there for 2 years, he met his eternal companion Judy Ann Wheatley at the opening of the student branch in Phoenix in March 1970. They were married in the Arizona Temple, July 10, 1970. Their first child Cathy, was born in 1972. When she was 3 months old they moved back to Colorado and remained for 14 years. While in Grand Junction their other children Valarie, Paul, Cheryl and Molly were born. Over a period of years, he and Judy were guardians to his nieces and nephew who became children to them – Laurie, Tammy and Bobby. He worked for the Lighthouse for a while and went on to complete a 2-year Auto Mechanic certification at Mesa College. He was a mechanic from that point on, at point owning his own mechanic shop in Grand Junction. In 1986 they moved back to Arizona, where he stayed for many years, only to move back to Grand Junction in 2002, where he eventually retired.

Steve had many interests and loves besides his family. He was involved in many projects and hobbies such as a love of classic cars, especially jaguars. When his kids were young he built a truck from scratch showing it in the local community parade. He also loved astronomy and was active in astronomy clubs and even built his own telescope, which was referenced in an astronomy book. Always a gun enthusiast, in his most recent years he enjoyed reloading, restoring and repairing firearms. A man of service he spent many years working on family history, he served in the temple and served a two year LDS service mission with Judy as managers of the Bishop’s Storehouse. This included overseeing the physical move of the storehouse to another location. He loved people and would visit wherever he went. He was an active part of his high school reunion committee and loved planning and participating in the activities. He would have loved to have attended his 55th high school reunion. His life will be celebrated on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 10 a.m., at the LDS Chapel, 2881 Orchard Avenue, Grand Junction, CO. He will be laid to rest at the Elmwood Cemetery, Fruita, Colorado

FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday
September 29, 2017
10:00 AM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2881 Orchard Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81504

INTERMENT
Friday
September 29, 2017
12:00 PM
Elmwood Cemetery
Fruita, CO 81521

Viewing and Reception is Private (Family Only)

 Service Information