Donald (Don) Stephenson

July 22, 1946 – September 17, 2022

Donald (Don) Stephenson was born to Earl and Wilhelmina Stephenson on July 22, 1946, in Garden City, Kansas. Don grew up in Abilene, Texas where he gave his life to the Lord at a young age.

Don loved music and played the trombone throughout his time in school. His cousin, famous country singer Jeannie C. Riley, even dedicated a song title, “Plain Vanilla,” to Don, inspired by his favorite ice cream flavor. Don enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after high school where he spent one year stationed in San Diego, California, one year in Kodiak, Alaska and one year in Vietnam, before accepting an honorable discharge in 1969.

Don came back home shortly after and met his soon-to-be-wife, Bea, who had just gotten a job at Grissom’s, the same department store Don worked at before his enrollment in the Navy. They fell madly in love, and on Aug. 15, 1970, the two were married just six months into dating. They had a beautiful marriage for 52 years, and welcomed three children: Stacy Thomas, Shay Stephenson and Wes Stephenson. Along with his wife and children Don is survived by his sister Lynda Nelson and brother John Stephenson. His family and faith were everything to him. Don had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He departed us peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, leaving a legacy of love and kindness like no other.

Though his smile is gone forever and his hand we cannot touch, we still have so many memories of the one we loved so much. His memory is now my keepsake which we’ll never part. God has him in his keeping. We have him in our hearts.