Stephen Gentry

Stephen Vincent Gentry passed away on the morning of July 15, 2016 at the San Joaquin Community Hospital while being comforted by family and a very caring staff. Stevie was 48 years old. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Diane Gentry nee Rieben, and brother Kevin Guterez. He is survived by his wife Zondra Gentry, son Cody Gentry, stepdaughter Aubri Ellsworth, stepdaughter Portia De Cordova, his parents, siblings Vicki Guterez, Teresina Noto, and Mitchell Gentry, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and beloved pets.

Stevie was born on May 27, 1968, in Bakersfield, CA to Patricia Jean Anderson and Steve Frank Gentry and attended West High School, where he made many of his lifelong friends. He worked for years at Lucky's Grocery where he met his first wife Diane with whom he had his son Cody. In 2000, Stevie moved on to work for Pacific Bell (later AT&T) where he had a firm presence for nearly a decade. In the year 2009, Stevie tragically lost Diane to cancer. Stevie started a new chapter in life when he reunited with Zondra, his high school sweetheart. They soon married and Stevie welcomed Zondra's daughter Portia into his family.

Stevie enjoyed frequent vacations to Hawaii with Diane and Cody, which fit Stevie's laid-back and easy-going personality. Stevie's sense of humor was also well known, as he frequently cracked jokes and was quite the prankster when he had a chance. Sports, especially football and golf, always had his attention and played a big part in his life, but he was also known as a great cook, and never disappointed at parties. Although he has passed, Stevie will never be forgotten as a loving husband, a doting father, and a wonderful friend to all.

Funerary Services for Stevie will be held at Basham Memorial Chapel on 620 Oregon Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93305 at 2:00 PM on July 26th, 2016. Come with stories and help us celebrate his life.