of Leslie, AR
December 25, 1926 - August 21, 2022
Earl LeRoy "Steve" Stephenson, age 95, of Leslie, Arkansas passed from this life on Sunday, August 21st, 2022 at the home of his grandson, Jeffrey, with his family by his side. He was born on December 25th, 1926 in Basehor, Kansas to John Leslie Stephenson and Lucille Williams Stephenson. He married Cora Ann Berndt in 1946.
Steve was a WWII veteran of the United States Navy where he received training as an aviation electronic technician. He attended MIT as part of this training. He received a citation from President Truman for his service. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked selling bread for Buttercrust Bread based in Corpus Christi, Texas. Steve attended night school while working hard to support and care for his family. He received an Associate's degree in electronics. This lead him to a job with Southwestern Bell Telephone which eventually lead to him playing a huge part in developing the first mobile phone technology and implementing the first customer on the King Ranch in south Texas. Steve moved on to working on the space program for AT&T, directing communication during the Gemini and Mercury missions. He also worked on the development of air traffic control technology, merging both military and civilian control. Steve was called on many times to assist with electronic surveillance for some of our nation's leaders. After retirement he moved his family to Arkansas. During his entire life he was very active in churches, leading singing in numerous congregations. Steve made it his life goal to teach and lead souls to Christ and help them develop a love for our Nation. He was most recently known for his leadership in the VFW outreach to area schools, developing an essay program where kids were encouraged to learn and participate as freedom loving Americans. Steve was a Master Mason since 1954 with Lodge #189 in Corpus Christi, Texas and most recently with Campbell Lodge #115. He was also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He served as the drum major for the Houston Shriners Marching Band and was a member of Shriners Lodge, Scimitar Temple. Steve enjoyed restoring Model-T's and was an accomplished wood carver. He was a man of strong work ethics and varied talents and will be greatly missed by his family and the community.
Survivors include his sons, Ted LeRoy Stephenson of Leslie and Timothy Ross Stephenson and wife Wanda Jean, also of Leslie; grandchildren, Troy Lane Stephenson (Rene) of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Jeffrey Ross Stephenson (Amber) of Leslie, Johnathan Lee Stephenson (Buffy) of Leslie and Stephanie Ann Marler (Greg) of Mountain Home; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Justin, Austin, Tanner, Cameron, Jennifer, Jordan, Seth, Paul, River, August, Lance, MacKenzie, Kaylee, Kaden and Hadley and great-great grandchildren, Olivia, Leah, Reese, Nora May, Walter, Paisley, Jaycee, Kelcyn and Keaton.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Lucille Stephenson; his wife, Cora Ann Stephenson, who passed away in 2010; great-grandchild, Jacob Stephenson and siblings, Charlotte and Emmett.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Rick Watts officiating. Visitation will be 12:30-1:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery near Leslie, where Steve will be laid to rest with Military and Masonic honors. Bearers will be Troy Lane Stephenson, Jeffrey Ross Stephenson, Kaden Scott Marler, August Wayne Hacker, Greg Marler and River Owen Hacker. Honorary bearers will be Mike Baker and Alan Yarbrough.
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16 Condolence(s)
Sherri Treat
Friday, September 2, 2022
I had the pleasure to meet Steve only one time but it was a memory I’ll never forget. He was the most patriotic man I had ever met. We were talking about our country and when he started talking, his eyes welled with tears. I had told him that when I hear the Star Spangled Banner being sung, I always have tears in my eyes. By the time our meeting was over, we had both shed a few tears. What a beautiful heart he had!
Barbara West
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Our paths crossed with Steve and Ann through church Steve was a very talented person and always more than willing to help when needed anywhere! Gary and I send our sincere condolences to Steve’s family.
Rick Montgomery
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
My wife and I met Steve when we served as Interim Pastor for six months at First Baptist Marshall. We had in common our military background and I enjoyed our talks. Our prayers are with the family and friends.
Julie Netland
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
A dear friend,he loved God ,his Country , family, friends, to to tell stories about our country wanted the child to learn about America such a loss I will miss him
D. L. & Peggy Adams
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Steve and Ann were a very special couple. I am blessed to have known them. Steve was always an encourager. Please know family that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Toby and Becky Donley
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
So sorry for your loss. He was a great and as sweet as a man as most of us will ever know. Praying for the family. Love to all.
Roger and Angie Johnson
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Steve’s service to our country and leadership encouraging young people to appreciate those who serve were so important to many of us. His love of God and country were a positive example to all who experienced his talks. Our prayers are with all those who loved him.
Brenda J. Mattison
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
We extend our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the entire family of Earl Stephenson. It is easy to tell by reading his obituary he was a very wonderful gentleman that accomplished many important and impressive things during his long life. Matthew 5:4, Revelation 21:4
Sincerely, Brenda and Ron Mattison, (neighbors of Stephanie and Greg Marler), Mountain Home, AR
Sally Wilson
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
This good man cared so much about kids knowing about theirAmerica and all the ones who loved and protected our Country â¤ï¸ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸
Holly Beard
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
I'm so sorry about Uncle Steve. He was truly an inspiration to others and such a Godly man. I remember as a child he tried to teach me to play chess. Unfortunately, I was not very good at it! He lived a long, wonderful life and made an impact on many people. He will be sorely missed, but he is absolutely rejoicing in Heaven.
Marcus E. Lane MMCM (USN retired)
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Fair winds and following seas.
Harlie Treat
Monday, August 22, 2022
Steve was a faithful member of the VFW & American Legion Posts in Leslie. He was always available to help with Post projects. More than anyone else, he developed and coordinated the Post "Veterans in our Schools" program which inspired students to be proud Americans and appreciate our freedoms. We will miss his steady hand and words of wisdom. May he rest in well deserved eternal peace.
Amanda Casey
Monday, August 22, 2022
Prayers for u all, Steve was a great gentleman. He was a great song leader at the First Baptist Church when I went there when I was younger.
Darryl Treat
Monday, August 22, 2022
My condolences to the family of a great American patriot and dedicated member of our community. Mr. Stephenson was not just a leader in the veteran's community, but a leader in our community at large! He was also a very generous man and was dedicated to helping young people. Mr. Stephenson continued to serve past the time when many other people have decided to retire. His many recitations of "In Flanders Fields" will echo in Searcy County for a long time!
James and Jeri White
Monday, August 22, 2022
Our deepest sympathy in your loss.
Brenda Lewis
Monday, August 22, 2022
I am so very sorry for the loss of Steve. He was a great father, grandfather and a special friend to everyone that knew him. May God bless you during this time.