Stephen Phillips Metzger

January 20, 1936 – June 23, 2024

Stephen Phillips Metzger, age 88, of Tempe, Arizona passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 after a long illness. Stephen was born on January 20, 1936, in Palmdale, California to his parents Donald and Ruth Skellie Metzger, where he grew up and lived most of his young life.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Grace Metzger; parents: Donald and Ruth Skellie Metzger; father and mother-in-law, Anthony and Josephine Trippi; brother, Marshall Metzger; son, Donald Anthony Metzger.

Stephen is survived his daughter, Theresa Marie (Robert) O’Connor; son, Stephen Trippi Metzger; granddaughter, Cassidi (Dalvin) Gabriel. And many nieces and nephews.

Stephen attended and graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. He also had a passion for flying planes and attending aircraft shows. Stephen told many stories about growing up in Sierra Madre, California, during the Great Depression years of the 1930’s and during the years of World War II. Stories of hopping on freight trains in his youth, having a pet possum and hawk. And crashing a small plane in the Alaskan wilderness and surviving by walking out of the wilderness on foot.

Also, during his enlistment period in the United States Military after World War II, of him meeting Elvis while he was also enlisted in the U.S. Military in Germany. And panning for gold in Alaska before statehood. And searching for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition Mountains.

The family would like to express deep thanks to Haven and the nurses who took care of Stephen over the years. Their special care and presence was a great comfort for Stephen and the family. We are deeply grateful. Rest in Peace. All funeral services were provided by Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 North Scottsdale Road – Scottsdale.