Steven Lyman Bishop

Steven Lyman Bishop was born on March 11, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Marvin James Bishop and Klar “Ky” Lyman — the sixth of ten children. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 13, 2025, in South Jordan, Utah.

From a young age, Steven was an avid reader and lifelong learner. His personal library grew to include works on health, non-fiction adventure, family history, music, languages, and so much more. He was known for his generosity, often buying multiple copies of his favorite books to share with friends and family.

Steven’s youth was filled with adventure alongside his brothers as they explored Salt Lake City — from visits to the Deseret Gym and the genealogical library to delivering newspapers on his daily route. Both fun and practical, he saved diligently and set goals to pursue the things that inspired him. A passionate genealogist, Steven completed his first genealogy certificate at the age of 14.

Steven graduated from South High in 1961 and then served in the U.S. Army as a medic. Ever industrious, he often volunteered for the night shift so he could practice piano during the quiet hours. His children fondly remember falling asleep to the same songs he perfected during his Army service.

Temporarily leaving his military service, Steven served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Germany from 1962 to 1964. He cherished his time among the German people and continued to speak the language throughout his life — insisting his children sing “Stille Nacht” each Christmas.

Upon his return, he finished his military service, receiving an honorable discharge in 1968. Steven married Nancy Shaffer in 1969. Together, they were blessed with ten children — five sons and five daughters. He later married Mercie Shaffer in 1972, and they were blessed with nine children — three daughters and six sons.

A master electrician by trade, Steven worked long hours to provide for his growing family. He often brought his children along to job sites, teaching them the value of hard work, precision, and integrity in every task.

Steven was a man of deep conviction and faith in Jesus Christ. He took his covenants seriously and never hesitated to share his testimony boldly and sincerely.

A man of many talents, Steven filled his life with diverse pursuits: violin, sewing, karate (earning a green belt), nutrition, foreign languages, and politics — to name only a few. He approached each new interest with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Now free from the limits of his physical body, we imagine him joyful. We hope that amid all this heavenly discovery, he takes a moment to rest and schlaf in himmlischer ruh, Dad. Schlaf in himmlischer ruh.

Steven is survived by siblings: Duane, Lynn, Grant, Gary, Pat, Tamra, and Randy; the mothers of his children: Nancy and Mercie; all 19 of his children: Shem (Tobi) Bishop, Jason (Amy) Bishop, Enoch (Christy) Bishop, Charity (John) Pectol, Adam Bishop, Esther (Tim) Olschewski, Justus Bishop, Joshua Bishop, Audrey (Jake) Sill, NaKy (Alanzio) Steah, Benjamin (Ashlie) Bishop, Rebecca (Jed) Barlow, Elias (Monica) Bishop, Anna (John) Sullivan, Thaniel (Karla) Bishop, Tansy (James) O’Brien, Richard (Nikki) Bishop, Constance (Ali) Islami and Taylor (Jan) Bishop; as well as 85 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Steven is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Jay and Marva, and grandchildren Acacia and Cort.

There will be a viewing on Friday, October 17th, from 6:00-8:00 pm at 5850 S 900 E, Murray, UT 84121. Another viewing will be held the following day, on Saturday, October 18th, from 9-10:45 am at the LDS Chapel at 2550 W 9800 S, South Jordan, UT 84095. The funeral will begin at 11:00 am at the same location.

Interment will be at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.