Robert Dudley Stephenson III, 49, of Canyon died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Monday in First United Methodist Church in Canyon with the Rev. John McClean, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon.

Robert Dudley Stephenson III was born Dec. 31, 1957, in Dennison, Iowa, to Robert Dudley and Ann Martin Stephenson. He graduated from Borger High School and attended college at Oklahoma State University, Texas Christian University, and West Texas State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in General Studies. He played football for Oklahoma State University and Texas Christian University.

Not only was Dudley an amazing father to his children, but he also gave countless hours of service to the younger generation of the Panhandle. He was a father figure to every person he was involved with. His love for service through coaching radiated through the community. Not very many athletes went through Canyon High School without being trained by Dudley at some point in their life, and he had an amazing gift of being able to see the hidden potential in every child. He was the perfect husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy Stephenson; four children, Robbie Stephenson of Los Angeles, Laci Waner and husband Chris of San Antonio, Caleb Stephenson and wife Natalie and Dana Stephenson, all of Canyon; a grandson, Kylen Waner; his mother, Ann Stephenson of Canyon; his father, Robert Stephenson and wife Melinda of Amarillo; a brother, Douglas Stephenson and wife Kenna of East Texas; six sisters, Sarah Black and husband Charles, Valenica Muniz and husband Alvero, Allison Stephenson and Meridith Stephenson, all of Amarillo, Tracy Dodd and husband Eric of Lake Meredith and Elsie Heil and husband Shaun of Meridian, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be to the Stephenson Memorial Fund in care of Happy State Bank, 1908 4th Ave., Canyon, TX 79015.

Amarillo Globe-News, Nov. 11, 2007

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From the Family

Sean Ray
"A man searches the entire world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." This was true to no one more than Dudley Stephenson. His dedication to every waking moment to bring joy to his children, his spouse, and his community are inspirations to us all. If anyone of us lives life with half as much love and devotion as Robert Dudley Stephenson III then we have succeeded."   

Tammy Harshey                                                                                                                           Dudley loved being a family person, Dad, brother, son, husband. He valued his friendships, so much that he didn't really feel that you had to spend alot of time showing him you considered him a friend. He loved being part of the class of 76 from Borger High School. He told his players he trained, his children, anyone that would listen to him all the wonderful and mischievious things he did in Borger. He lived life to the fullest, his time on earth was shorter than some, but he left a lifetime of memories.    Tammy Harshey

From Judy Harshey, Dudley's mother-in-law, September 7 at 5:41pm

Dudley was a marvelous son-in-law. He treated us with love and respect that went far beyond anything we wanted or expected. We miss him and know that his place in Heaven is with children, for that was who he lived for. Tammy's Mom, Judy

Ali Allison September 7 at 9:46pm

Dudley was bigger than life to me. He always loved his family and made each one of us feel special. When he played football he was bigger than the hulk !! i know a lot of you loved him and where ever i go in the panhandle someone knew dudley . Thank you for loving him and his sweet family. "Borger High We love You , with a spirit strong and true".

Robert Dudley Stephenson IV September 7 at 10:09pm

Growing up you always think that your dad is the coolest, strongest, funniest person in the world. I never realized that I had one of those rare fathers that not only made his own children feel this way, but made everyone feel like this. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't stop and thank the Lord for letting us all spend some time with, what I feel is, one of his best creations. Of all the things that my dad taught me and my siblings, I think the most important is to tell the people in your life that you love them every chance you get. Grab them and give them a great big Dudley sized hug, and let them know how much they mean to you.

The following is a message that I received from my partner, Noel. He sent this to me about my dad, and I felt it needed to be included with all of these other statements about Dad.


I will forever be sad that I missed the opportunity to have met your Dad in person. But I do believe I gotten to know the person that he was through you, your siblings, extended family and friends.

The love that you have for children and the never ending energy you have to play, listen and teach them. Your laugh and silly things that crack you up. Laci's willingness to always listen, REALLY listen and to help work through problems. Also, the dedication Laci has to her family and strong work ethic (she became a doctor while raising a family!). The way that Dana can light up a room just by walking in and those incredible welcoming hugs she gives. Caleb is a family man and will stick by them to the end. And your mother, such a strong and beautiful woman who has done nothing but work at keeping you all close, providing strength for each of you to draw upon when needed, WHILE still giving as a teacher and coach along the way. All of the characteristics I have just described are what I believe to be from your Dad- from what I have heard and been told.

I love you and am happy that the legacy of dad lives on through his family and all those that encountered him, at least that way I feel like get to 'meet him' through you all.

nOel

 Dana Stephenson

I will always remember how I felt "senior day" in volleyball. We were warming up outside, which we rarely did, and Lauren and I had just finished talking about how our fathers would not be able to make it because they were both way to busy with work. My dad had left on the truck at 4 that morning to try and make it back in time, but when I talked to him at lunch, he wasn't going to be able to make it. Next thing I knew I saw my daddy's 18 wheeler pull up to the gym, and my dad step out covered in cow poop. As he walked across the parking lot I met him half way to receive one of those hugs only he could give. I was so incredibly happy. When I look back I can still smell him, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He did that with all of us kids, no matter what, he would do everything in his power to always be there for us. He told each of us every day we were his heros, and meant it from the bottom of his heart. His time on earth may have been shorter than others, like my momma said, but he left an impression as if he had been here forever. I miss him dearly, everyday, but I know that God needed him, and one day we will all meet up again.

If its not too much to ask, I would LOVE to hear stories from his Borger High friends, or anyone who knew him. He used to tell us them all of the time, and not only do I not remember them, but I miss hearing them. I also know that we all love hearing stories about our dad, its so humbling to know that it wasn't only his children that thought he was larger than life.