Gene Stephens

Arvin Eugene "Gene" Stephens was born August 30, 1942 to Clyde Eugene Stephens and Vashti Inez Hickman. He left this earth on December 9, 2015 at 12:23 p.m. to be with this Heavenly Father and precious Savior, Jesus Christ to dwell in Heaven for eternity.

Gene started to school in Friend and then attended and graduated from Alex High School in 1960. He participated in baseball, basketball and football and was a member of the football team that was State Runner-up. He attended Oklahoma State University majoring in hotel and restaurant management.

He married Karen Jane Nye on April 28, 1962 at the First Baptist Church in Ninnekah, Oklahoma. To this union one son, Damon Eugene Stephens, was born.

Gene started his computer career in 1963 at LTV in Arlington, Texas. From there he went to work for the University of Oklahoma Merrick Computer Center in Swearingen Research Park on OU's North Campus. Gene was a machine room supervisor of the 360 and Osage computers. The Department of Human Services of the State of Oklahoma, where he was IT Manager for the operation that covered the entire State of Oklahoma, retiring after 25 years on September 30, 1992, then hired him. Upon his retirement he devoted full time to farming and ranching, that he loved.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Vashti Stephens; an infant brother, Kenneth Clyde Stephens; an infant sister, Ruby Yvonne Stephens; sister, Betty Colleen Malone on 10-9-2001; and brother-in-law, A.J. Simpson of Marlow, OK. He was also preceded by what he called being fortunate to having 2 sets of parents, Floyd and Karleen Nye; sister-in-law, Monica Mills; brother-in-law, Delbert Coon; and nephew, Jason Lee Mills.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Stephens of the home
His son, Damon Eugene Stephens of Ninnekah, OK

Grandchildren: Michael and wife, Tara, of Ninnekah, OK;
Austin Stephens of Ninnekah, OK
Dystany Stephens and Lane Stephens of Pioneer

Great grandchildren: Tylie Ann Stephens of Norman, OK;
Jared Stephens of Pocasset, OK; and
Brylee Dawn Stephens of Amber, OK
Jaylee Berry, Dustin Burns and Adeleigh Stephens
All of which he dearly loved.

He is also survived by
His brother and sister-in-law, Herman and Marleta Stephens of Chickasha, OK;
Sister, Geneva Simpson of Marlow, OK;
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Arvilla Bird of Bridge Creek, OK;
Sister-in-law, Vicki Hale of Noble, OK;
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vernon and Trula McElhaney and
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Johnny and Venita Walker all of Ninnekah, OK
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Ronnie Nye and Donna of Floresville, TX

Numerous nephews, nieces, church family and friends also survive him.

Gene became a Christian in 1981 with Brother Troy Capps was the minister. He dearly loved this man and chose his cemetery plots to be close to him. Gene was a member of the Ninnekah FBC, serving his Lord with all his heart. He taught Sunday school for many years, teaching youth, young married, adults and senior adults. He also served as Discipleship Director and ran the soundboard for several years. When he was teaching youth, he helped sponsor the youth at Falls Creek for several years.

He loved his community and served on the Ninnekah School Board for several years and was a trustee and volunteer for the Ninnekah Cemetery, meeting with families of deceased, selling lots and working with the local funeral homes making arrangements to meet with the families and making sure the area was prepared. This was one of his great services to the people of the Ninnekah Community and he loved to help with their needs during the most difficult times in their lives.