|
Michael Don Stephens
May 12, 2013 - September 19, 2013
Michael “Mike” D. Stephens was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on May 12, 1948. He passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center after a brief illness at age 65.
Mike was preceded in death by his father and mother, Luther and Christine Stephens; two brothers, James and Gary. He leaves behind his beloved wife Candy; three remarkable sons, Jason of Houston, TX, Justin and his wife Stephanie Rapp Stephens of Roswell, NM, Jonathon and his wife Heather Knowlton Stephens of Roswell, NM; his nephew, Jimmy Stephens and wife Connie; his niece Jamie of Albuquerque, NM. Mother-in-law Ella Himebaugh of Roswell, NM, two brothers-in-law Boyd Himebaugh Jr. and his wife Shyrl of Arlington, TX and John Himebaugh of San Diego, CA; first cousins, Janet Campbell of Nap Valley, CA, Buddy Harbuck, Betty Good and Jorene Poland of Roswell, NM; three aunts, Josephine Ponts of California, Barbara Milam of Oklahoma and Thalia Legg of Florida. Best military mate, Richard Ward of Roseburg, Oregon.
Thirteen grandchildren: Madison Christine (13), Jackson Boyd (11), Judson Bill (4), Jameson (2), Jaydon Michael (13), Kaylee Christine (11), Ashlynn Mary-Jean (8), Jacob William (12), Emily Marie (6) and Michael Jay (4) Stephens, Rylan (10), Jude (9) and Harley (5)Ruiz.
Mike enlisted in the United States Army in 1965. He served in the Vietnam War achieving a Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Metal with Bronze Star and Overseas Service Bar (I) RVN as a sharpshooter.
Mike was a master carpenter and a general contractor who designed and built custom homes in the Roswell area for over 30 years. Mike was married for 43 years to Candy and was of protestant faith. He was a loving husband, dedicated father and his world revolved around his grandchildren and family. Mike’s greatest joy in life was giving back to his family through his selfless and loving acts.
Pastor Rick Rapp of Gateway Church and Pastor Ed Elliott of Grace Community Church will lead Mike’s Celebration of Life Service on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 10 am at Gateway Church, 1900 N. Sycamore Avenue in Roswell. Roswell Veteran’s Honor Guard will conduct military services.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
Mardi Gonyea (Nicklin)
J...I also remember Mike from Jr. High. He was in Alaska at the same time with Buddy Harbuck. I kept up with them for years. Gary and Mike did not have any where close to the same personalities. Mike was very bashful around the girls that I knew. Naturally, guys see things from a different perspective there...which is meant in a good way. I just know he was always very quiet and bashful around me. Buddy's wife, Cathie Ellis Harbuck and I were best friends even to this day we have stayed close. They lived back in Roswell for quite a while. Their oldest daughter, Stephanie, and I just adore each other. Anyway, when they told me Mike had passed I was really sad. He was a good cabinet maker.
James A "Jim" White
Few will remember Mike Stephens. His dad was a contractor so when the earthquake hit in Alaska, they moved there. Mike later joined the military and afterwards, moved back to Roswell and became a contractor in Roswell. Orlando Chavez did some painting work for Mike and told me Mike was a quality contractor. Mike and I talked by phone but I never saw him again. We mostly hung out in Jr. High and 10th grade. His older brother, Gary, was a close friend to my brother, Don, and a very popular guy in the Class of '63. Mike was disabled for a number of years before he passed. Rest in peace, my friend. I remember.