Dennis Stephens
Dennis Elmo Stephens of Denton, Texas, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020. Dennis was born to loving parents Jack and LaVerne Stephens on May 28, 1949. He grew up in his awesome “hometown” of Breckenridge, Texas, before settling in Denton.
As all loyal Buckaroos, Dennis played football, baseball but his great love was “track and field.” Dennis was Senior Class President and loved by all. After high school, with the help of Coach John Cotton, he attended UNT on a full track scholarship. In 1971 he received the “Outstanding College Athletes of America” Award. At UNT he still holds the school record of 1.48.8 in the 880-yard dash. After he graduated from UNT in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in Business, he made his career as a Sales Rep for beauty supply companies. After 42 years he retired in Krum, Texas, with long weekends spent on the family farm in Woodson, Texas. After retiring, Dennis being a “people person” also had part time jobs working for Cabelas and Natures Mercantile CBD Store.
In 1970, Dennis married his high school sweetheart Pamela Pearson Stephens and made their home in Denton, where they raised 3 sons, Charles Malone Stephens (Chad), Matthew Pearson Stephens and Jeremy Michael Stephens. Dennis was the ultimate “family man” and a precious “hands on” father. If you knew Dennis, you knew of his love for the great outdoors. He raised his sons to also love and respect God’s beautiful creation. Dennis’ philosophy on raising children was, “If you spend time with your children and teach them how to hunt and fish…..you will never have to ‘hunt’ for your children.” In sports, Dennis never missed one of his son’s games… and very few practices. Dennis and Pamela were blessed with their 50th Wedding Anniversary in June of 2020.
Dennis is survived by his wife Pamela and his 3 best friends and sons, Chad, Matt and Jeremy. Also, his daughters-in-love, Meme Stephens and Chandra Stephens. He is survived by his precious nieces Emily Rieger, Alison West, Billy Jo Noggle Postlewait and Kelly Pearson Fortune. He is survived by his nephews, Dr. Steve Noggle, Kenny Noggle and Pearce Pearson.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Cathy Pearson Webb, and brothers-in-law, Trippy Pearson and his wife Lesa and Tommy Noggle.
He is preceded in death by his siblings Jack Kenneth Stephens and Teresa Stephens Noggle.
Dennis was a kind, loving and “fun” Papa to Jackson Stephens (19), Tristin Stephens (17), Paige Stephens (14), Graham Stephens (12), Dalton West (12), Rhett Rieger (9) and Beau Stephens (4). One of the last things Dennis asked of me ….was to make sure they knew how much he loved them and what joy they brought to him.
“As some people journey through life, they leave footprints wherever they go…. footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, humor and inspiration, joy and faith. Even when they are gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail they have left behind….a trail bright with hope that invites us to follow.” This was our Dennis.
“God’s word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path”. Psalm 119:105
“Blessed are those who …walk in the light of Your presence.” Psalm 89:15
If your heart so leads you to a memorial donation in “Dennis’ honor,” one can be made to the Sloan Everett Pure Country Pedal Memorial Bike Ride or the Bobby Anderson Scholarship Fund.
Please make checks or funds payable to the Dennis Stephens Memorial Fund and denote between the Sloan Everett PCPMBR or the Bobby Anderson Scholarship Fund to apply your donation. Mail donations to Elaine Moore, 709 S. Mistletoe Ave., Breckenridge, TX 76424.
