Max Richard Stephens, 85, of St Anthony, Idaho, passed away of natural causes November 22, 2018 at his home. He was born September 12, 1933 to Ralph Olaf and Nellie Keppner Stephens at Warm River, Idaho, where Ralph and Nellie homesteaded.

Max grew up on the family ranch (Stephens Fish Creek Ranch) at Warm River, Idaho. They lived in two small log cabins on Fish Creek, the homestead, until the 40's when they built their new log home on another part of Fish Creek. Max helped with the construction of their new home, which is still being enjoyed by his family.

He spent his early years working on the ranch with his two older brothers, Fred and Len. He attended school in Ashton where he met his wife, Marilyn Duke. They had three delightful children, Deb, Kathy and Doug. Max and Marilyn later divorced.

During those years, Max worked as a mechanic for Sam Earle Motors in Ashton; drove a semi hauling grain for the Rexburg elevators; drove long haul for P.I.E., a gas company based in Ashton, hauling fuel between Montana and Utah; logged with his brothers Fred and Len on the Targhee National Forest; and finally, in 1968, started his own business in Island Park as Stephens Construction . Max, and in time working with his son Doug, helped build and maintain many of the roads and infrastructure of Island Park, installed countless sewer systems, and contracted with residents needing dirt and digging projects. Logging was in full swing, and they started their logging business, Stephens Logging , cutting and hauling logs while successfully keeping their construction business busy. His 38 years in Island Park were enjoyable, and Max made numerous friendships and built a strong reputation as an honest and hardworking guy who would go the extra mile to get the job done right. Max and Doug spent many long winter hours plowing snow to ensure that everyone could make it to and from their destinations.

Max was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and expected nothing in return. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed teasing the waitresses and help at Pond's Lodge during his coffee breaks.

In 1974, Max married Annie Crezeé. Max and Annie made Island Park their home until his retirement in 2006 when they moved to St. Anthony, Idaho.

Max didn't take much time for play, but when he did, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in his early years snowmobiling with friends and family. He really enjoyed spending time at Stephens Fish Creek Ranch and riding his 4 wheeler with his wife Annie.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Annie C. Stephens of St. Anthony; his daughter Kathy (Kent) Lords of Ashton, Idaho; his 6 grandchildren Kim (Kevin) Labrum of Boise, Idaho; Kammie (Kent) Dummer of St. Anthony; Shannon (Joey) Jimenez of Denver, Colorado; Kallie (Jason) Pino of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kayla (Dirk) Forbush of St. Anthony, Idaho; and Logan (Daridee) Nagle of St. Anthony, Idaho; and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Fred Ralph Stephens and Len K Stephens, his daughter, Deb Coleman, and his son Doug (Digger) Stephens.

His wish for all: Remember only the good times, laugh and joke as often as you can, life is short.

A grave side service will be held next summer in Island Park.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Fremont County Search and Rescue in his name. Max was close to and enjoyed many FCSAR members. 331 W 1 ^st S, St. Anthony, ID 83445