Stephen Bunnell

Stephen Palmer Bunnell passed suddenly from this world on Sunday, August 13, 2023 while at his home.

Steve was born November 3, 1962 in Grants, New Mexico to Margie Palmer Bunnell and Ralph Sherman Bunnell. Steve was the youngest child, and was often teased by his older sisters for being the baby of the family. Steve grew up in the small mining town of Grants. He spoke fondly of his home in New Mexico , often reminiscing about the green chile burgers at Lottaburger, as well as the delicious stuffed soapapillas and chile rellenos that he loved.

After graduating high school Steve moved to Texas to work in the oil fields. His mother was not enthused about her baby boy working as roughneck, and quickly devised a plan to get him out of there. In Steve’s words, his mother bribed him with a move to Hawaii to attend college. Steve enrolled at BYU-Hawaii, where he soon felt prompted to serve an LDS mission. He was called to the Seattle, Washington mission. Steve served faithfully and spoke of the power of his saviors love that he often felt in the mission field.

After his mission Steve attended Ricks College, where he soon met Lisa Muma. Steve and Lisa were married for time and all eternity on June 19, 1986 in the Idaho Falls temple. They made their home in Rexburg, Idaho. Steve and Lisa were blessed with one son and four daughter, whom they raised with love and much laughter.

Steve was employed at Ricks college and BYU-Idaho as a campus police officer. Steve worked hard and was very dedicated to his career. He worked his way up through the ranks to University Director of public safety, a position he held until the time of his death.

Steve was known for his dry humor and easygoing demeanor. Those who knew him will miss the constant good natured teasing that seemed to never end when he was around. Steve was always quick with a joke and he loved to make his children laugh.

Steve loved his family deeply. He was a pillar of strength, and we don’t know what we’ll do without guiding wisdom in our daily lives. Steve has always been the first person we went to with any problems and we knew we count on him to be loving and compassionate while working to help find a solution.

Steve leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Lisa Bunnell of Rexburg, Idaho. His dear mother, Margie Bunnell of Bluewater New Mexico. A son, Kyle Stephen Bunnell of Eagle Mountain, Utah. Daughters Nicole Sharee Bunnell of Rexburg, Danielle Paige Bunnell (Derick Stanger) of Meridian, Idaho, Riss Brooke Bunnell of Rexburg, and Macey Taylor Bunnell of Rexburg, mother-in-law Lana Muma of Rigby, ID. His beloved grandchildren, Avery Paige Bunnell and Lakai Paul Stanger. Steve also leaves many nieces, nephews, siblings-in-law, and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Ralph Sherman Bunnell, his brothers Jimmy Ray Head and Douglas Bunnell, sisters Laurie Harper and Debra ‘Debbie’ Spencer, and his father-in-law Gordon Muma.

Steve Held many church callings during his life including youth Sunday school teacher, primary teacher, counselor in a stake Sunday school presidency. At the time of his death he was serving as ward clerk, a calling that he greatly enjoyed.