Robert was preceded in death by his father George Nelson Stephens and his mother Mary Frances Stephens; his sister Lenna Ann Mitchell and his brother Leonard Stephens. Robert is survived by his eldest son Jeffrey Stephens; his middle son Michael Stephens (Norma); and his daughter Kimberly Del Duca (Jason); He was blessed with seven grandchildren - Ariel Stephens, Jordan Del Duca, Giannah Stephens, Jeremiah Stephens, Alex Del Duca, Dylan Stephens, and Evangeline Stephens. He is also survived by his sisters: Norla Todd, Nanette Karnowski (David) and Judy Fortner (Richard); Bob also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old. He began reservist duties while in high school. After high school graduation, he enrolled at McMurry College in Abilene, Texas. After two years of college, he was drafted into Naval Service in 1964. He trained as a storekeeper in San Diego, California and requested duty assignment on the east coast. He laughed when he was assigned the USS Jason AR-8 out of San Diego. He always said, "God has a sense of humor when it comes to answering what I wished for or wanted." His ship was assigned off the coast of Vietnam for ten months where Bob unloaded munitions and supplies to be carried into country.
Bob returned to college in August 1967. He met Nancy on March 8, 1968 and were engaged a week later - -a fact that always astonished their children. They married on June 6, 1969 and moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Bob worked as a Senior Buyer for Lone Star Gas in Dallas and later, Valero Energy Corporation in San Antonio. He spoke a great deal about the distribution pipeline and materials he purchased.
After retirement, Bob volunteered at Agape Ministry in the food pantry, spent time traveling, and enjoyed special family occasions. Summers were planned around Vacation Bible School and mission trips with Woodlake Baptist Church, which he stated was a true learning experience.
Bob always said his proudest accomplishment was accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He became a deacon at Woodlake Baptist Church on May 2nd, 2004.
Many people have asked how did Bob and Nancy stay married so long - 52 years, 7 months, and 20 days. They both reply, love the Lord and never go to bed angry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Woodlake Baptist Church. 6980 Woodlake Club Dr, San Antonio, TX 78244. https://wbcsatx.org/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Stephens' family.
