Carl Delile Stevens, our “Man of Steel,” passed beyond this world on October 4, 2026, at the age of 93, of heart failure, at Superior Community Hospital. He leaves behind a life filled with curiosity, hard work, and devotion to family. Over the course of his long life, Carl accomplished more than many could in two lifetimes, and leaves behind an incredible family legacy.

Carl was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1932, in Enoch, Utah. the 9th of 12 children, living on his family’s ranch. After World War II and the death of his mother when Carl was 11, the family moved to Bear River, Utah, where he attended Brigham City High School. As a young man, he worked for a mining operation in southern Utah, developing skills in metal fabrication, heavy-equipment operation, explosives, and mechanical problem-solving.

Carl later returned to Salt Lake City, where he fell in love with his first wife, Shirley Allen. They married on May 7, 1955, and had nine children together. Carl owned an HVAC business and took great pride in his trade, becoming a master of sheet-metal work.

After Shirley died of breast cancer, Carl married Naomi Churchtown. Together they lived in southern Utah, Wells, Nevada, and Great Falls, Montana, before Carl found the place, he most wanted to call home in western Montana, finding his forever place in De Borgia, Montana, where he bought 10 acres and built a home with help from his children while completing much of the work himself. He cut trees from his land, milled the lumber with his own sawmill, working the first four years building without electricity.

Carl and Naomi had five children: two sons born in Utah, followed by two sons and a daughter in De Borgia. Building his home was one of Carl’s greatest dreams, and he fulfilled it in his own remarkable style. He treasured life in the beautiful forest surrounding De Borgia. Carl generously shared his fabrication and welding skills and was always ready to help a neighbor in need. He was a devoted husband and father, and to his grandchildren—as well as many neighborhood children—he was affectionately known as Papa.

Carl is survived by his loving wife, Naomi of De Borgia; 13 children and their families: Carla (Elson) of Utah; (Ellen) of Idaho; Sharlene (Curtis) of Idaho; Clark (Phyllis) of De Borgia; Paul (Kathe) of De Borgia; Marshall (Elizabeth) of Missoula; Bruce (Lilliana) of De Borgia; Alan (Hallie) of Idaho; Shelly (Dave) of Washington; Roger (Ginger) of Arizona; David (Trish) of Arizona; Jeremy (Xiomara) of Arizona; Krystal (Ethan) of Oregon; and Russell (Pamela) of Idaho. He is also survived by 45 grandchildren, 99 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his father, Oliver Stevens; his mother, Martha Stevens; his first wife, Shirley; all 11 of his siblings; his oldest son, Calvin; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carl’s long and accomplished life at an open house on October 17 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the historic De Borgia Schoolhouse. Please join us to share stories, memories, and food.

The family will hold a private burial on Friday, October 16.