Jack Stephenson

Jack Stephenson was born on August 13, 1922 in Roberta, OK to Emmanuel and Ollie (Robertson) Stephenson. He was the youngest of the family of 5 other siblings brothers Clarence (Kel), Elmer, Bill, Ray, and sister Polly all of whom have now passed. Times were difficult, money was tight, and the family worked together making a living raising peanuts and cotton. When he was 7, Jack lost his dad, who was born in 1861. He went to school in the nearby city of Durant, OK and the family faced even harder times now dealing with the depression and dust bowl days. The family's only car may have to sit on blocks until the fall harvest but they lived by their principles of hard work and determination. The family also had fun together and drew close to each other. When his mother Ollie passed, Jack depended on his brothers and sisters more than ever. He graduated high school and soon afterwards met Eunice, the love of his life. Before entering the military to support the war effort, he married this wonderful girl. After the war, he began a blessed life with Eunice, had a job with Phillips Petroleum (where he continued working for 45 years), and in 1946 had their first son Richard, then Ron in 1948, and the last son Randy in 1950. They lived for 11 years in Phillips, moved to Ray Camp outside of Sunray for a short time and ended up in Dumas. Jack's love was his family. He was a Christian example and provided everything needed and desired. He loved playing basketball, softball, bowling, coaching baseball for his sons, and playing games with his family particularly dominos. He was quick to laugh, had an endearing smile, and loved to talk, tell stories, and involve himself with others. Jack passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 after 95 years and 5 months of enjoying this life and giving those around him so much joy and appreciation for knowing him. He was a member of the First Street Church of Christ and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral services are at 2:00 Friday, January 26, 2018 at First Street Church. Interment will follow in Northlawn Memorial Gardens with funeral arrangements entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. Jack is survived by his wife, Eunice, of the home; three sons: Richard and wife Barbara of Olathe, KS, Ron and wife Debby of Saginaw, TX and Randy and wife Donna of Pampa, TX; grandchildren: Jason Stephenson, Joanna Daugherty, Shelley Spencer, Bryan Stephenson, Aimee Stephenson, Jeff Stephenson, Lori Russo and Melissa Aston; 16 great grandchildren: Elise, Ethan, Claire, Caleb, Clayton, Carter, Justin, Eden, Trey, Cole, Haley, Emma, Tatum, Cailin, Trenton and Aubrey; nephew: Jim, Don and Tony; niece: Freda Roberts. Jack served in the US Army Air Force in England during WWII, where he maintained the guns on the planes that flew into Europe on missions. Upon his return to the States from England he was preparing for deployment to the Pacific Front when the war ended.