Jon Wayne Stephenson

Jon was born May 29, 1971 in Waco, Texas. After graduating from Midway High School in 1989, he began his career in Law Enforcement and Corrections. He first went to work for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a correctional officer in January 1992. Jon later went to work for the Travis County Sheriff’s Department and then became a police officer for the Austin Police Department in 2001. After a 29-year career, he retired in January 2021 as a Corporal with the Austin Police Department.

Jon comes from a family of Police Officers starting with his grandfather who was the first Chief of Police of Hewitt, Texas. His wife, Jennifer, honorably retired as an Assistant Chief of Police of the Austin Police Department after serving more than 26 years. His older brother, Mark, is in his 30th year of policing and his younger brother, Chance, is in his 15th year with the Austin Police Department.

In 1991, Jon met Jennifer Renee Tadlock. They were married in 1995 in Waco, Texas. In Jennifer, Jon found his other half and began the journey of a lifetime as they spent more than thirty years together. Jon had two children, Mical Dayne Stephenson and Reagan Lee Stephenson who meant the world to him.

Jon was a force of nature who was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Reagan, Mical, and Jennifer and always did his best to support them.

Jon was also very passionate about helping those around him and started a podcast called Jon Wayne Reloaded. His goal was to provide the knowledge and tools to help law enforcement everywhere survive their careers both mentally and physically. He positively impacted all who listened. Jon had a larger-than-life personality, with a smile that lit up any room. His famous bear hugs left a lasting impression on his friends and family.

Jon was predeceased by his grandfather, Edward Otis Mirick “Pa”, grandmother Agnes Mirick “Granny”. He is survived by wife Jennifer Stephenson, son Mical Stephenson, daughters Reagan Stephenson and Kaylee Stephenson, brothers Mark Stephenson, Chance Stephenson, and Justin Smith, sister Krista Stephenson, parents Bob and Sue Stephenson, in-laws Lee and Donna Tadlock, along with several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Anyone who knew Jon knew that he was the most loving father, husband and brother a family could ask for.

Rest in Peace Big Country.