David ‘Skip’ Stephenson
David John “Skip” Stephenson, 83, of Stigler, passed away Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, in Eastgate Village Healthcare Center in Muskogee. He was born Aug. 7, 1935, in Buffalo, N.Y. to John David and Gertrude (Keiser) Stephenson. Skip, as he was affectionately known, grew up in Buffalo and Tucson. He joined the Army at the age of 17 and served his country for three years.
Skip married Betsy Grenfell on Aug. 21, 1955, and they made their home in Tucson until 1980, when they moved to Stigler. Skip worked as a machinist, he was a cabinet maker and also was a truck driver for Rosewood Industry. He retired in 1995. He loved raising his cattle and he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Skip is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Betsy Stephenson of the home; his three sons, David Stephenson of Stigler, Tom Stephenson of Stigler and Tim Stephenson and Judy Rozzell of Sulphur; his two daughters, Debora and husband, Artie Johnson of Stigler and Diane and husband, David Keenan of Tucson, Ariz.; his two brothers, Chuck Stephenson and wife Ann and Bobby Stephenson and wife, Blanca; his three sisters, Sharon and husband, David Hughes, Mary Lou and husband, David Sainez and Sandy and husband, Jose Sanchez, all from Tucson, Ariz.; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Skip was proceeded in death by his parents, David and Gertrude Stephenson; two brothers, Don and Jack Stephenson; a grandson, Tommy “Bubba” Stephenson and an uncle, Don Keiser.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, at Whitefield Cemetery with Father Valentine officiating. Eulogist will be the Rev. Laveda Idleman. Pallbearers include Taylor Stephenson, David Kennan, Artie Johnson, Bronc Spicer, Jimmy Senisbaugh, David Stephenson and Brian Stephenson. Honorary pallbearers include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Hailey Hubbard Crabtree, Seth Crabtree, Addison Spicer, Katlynn Spicer, Missy Spicer, Isela Crabtree, Marlena Crase, Cord, Cole and Cale Crase and Amaurie Peters.
Burial will follow immediately under the direction of King & Shearwood Memorial Chapel.