(May 1, 2005)
Kevin Jacob "Jake" Stilson died at his home in Powell on Sunday, May 1 at the age of 26.
He was born on May 15, 1978, in Sheridan. He grew up in Wyoming and Montana, living in Buffalo, Billings, Jackson and Powell.
He was pursuing his architectural drafting degree at Northwest College in Powell where he had made a home for his family.
Jake spent most of his school years in Buffalo and Jackson. He graduated from Jackson Hole High School in 1996. In November of 1997, Jake joined the U.S. Navy to see the world.
After his navy service, Jake returned to Jackson where he met and fell in love with his wife, Crystal. They were married in Jackson on April 27, 2002. Jake and Crystal had two beautiful girls who were the apples of their father's eye, Anna, 4, and Ashlyn, 18 months.
Jake loved his family, friends and his trucks. Some of his hobbies were 4-wheelin', Playstation, turning wrenches, hanging out with the guys and, of course, spending time with his family.
He was a high-spirited guy with lots of ideas. When Jake decided on something, he would jump in with both feet. It didn't matter what he was doing, he would try to do it with a smile and usually made it fun. You only had to spend 10 minutes with Jake to be a friend for life.
Survivors include his wife Crystal and his daughters, Anna Marie and Ashlyn Elizabeth of Powell; his parents, Linda Morlage of Billings and Kevin and Lucy Stilson of Jackson; sisters Ginger Stilson of Billings and Stacy Durtschi of Idaho; grandparents, Dena Stilson of Jackson, Jeannine Stilson of Alpine and Dave and Sharon Kyle of Gillette; and nephew Taiyan Stilson of Billings.
Jake was a loving husband, daddy, son, brother and friend. He will be missed by all.
Memorial services were held in Cody on May 7, and a memorial service is scheduled in Jackson on Saturday, May 14. Cremation has taken place.
A memorial fund has been established at the Bank of the West. Donations may be made at any Bank of the West location.