David W. Stephens, 75, of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 in Corpus Christi, Texas. David was born in San Antonio, Texas on October 24, 1945. He was the 2nd child of two children of David J. and Shirley J. Stephens. David received his schooling at Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 and served his country proudly for six years as a mechanic. David was honorably discharged in 1970 and was in the active reserves from 1970 to 1972.
He helped his father at their family owned business, Stephens Electronics that serviced Corpus Christi, Texas. When the family business eventually closed, David went to work at Champlin Refinery in Corpus Christi which later turned into Citgo Petroleum where he stayed until he retired.
David, like his father, was an avid amateur radio operator. His radio talents and equipment knowledge allowed him to work on the U.S.S. Lexington aircraft carrier that was placed out of service in the Port of Corpus Christi. Radio equipment was fully functional in the event of a Hurricane and for 2-way radio emergency use. His radio skills also won him many competition awards.
He was preceded in death by his father, David J. Stephens, his mother, Shirley J. Stephens, his sister, Janice Stephens Mabry and a grandson, Andrew Michael Stephens.
David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marjorie Stephens, his daughter, Sheryl (Stephan) Danielsen, his son, Bill (Angela) Stephens, five grandsons, Justin (Wren) Jackson, Kyle (Brandi) Jackson, David (Abbey) Jackson, Blake Stephens and Connor Stephens, seven great-grandchildren, Thomas Baddley, Emma Baddley, Brenna Baddley, Beau Jackson, Easton Jackson, Hayden Jackson and Cash Jackson.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home in the Chapel at 12:30 p.m. Inurnment will follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
