Robert William Stephan

Visitation will be Sunday, October 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, Hwy 277 South, Abilene. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 17 at Zion Lutheran Church, 2801 Antilley Rd. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

He was born August 4, 1926 on the family farm north of the View community where he worked that land from a young age, and raised his family with wife, Jera, by his side.

His successful farming operation earned him numerous awards throughout the years, beginning in 1963 with Taylor County’s Young Farm Family of the Year, and the most recent being named Farm Family of the Year in 2017.

In 2007, the Texas Family Land Heritage Program recognized the Stephan Family for 100 years of continuous agricultural operation of the land acquired by his grandparents in 1906.

Robert was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church Abilene, where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He served as an elder and on various committees. He also used his many skills and talents during the construction phase of the current sanctuary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.G. and Elsa Stephan; Jera Lord Stephan, his wife of 61 years; three sisters, Marie Braune, Norma Stapleton and Ruby Carter; son-in-law Garth Brown; and grandson, Curtis Brown.

He is survived by three children, Andy Stephan and wife, Bonnie, of Tuscola; daughters Jerrie Brown of Abilene, Netta Hart and husband Andy Don, of Abilene; seven grandchildren, Robby Brown, Jared Martin, Jayci Martin, Stephani Gardner, Christopher Hart, Staci Bitner, Hollie Brown-West; and nine great-grandchildren.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to Frances Bryant for her loving care of Robert for the last six months, which enabled him to continue living at his home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Debt-Reduction Fund, Hendrick Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Stephan family.