Charles M Stephens

Dr. Stephens was born on November 4, 1934, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Thomas Noel and Minnie Mae Stephens. He married Dorothy Crawford Stephens on October 3, 1959. She survives.

After graduation from Sulphur Springs High School, Charlie, as he was known to most, joined the Navy in 1952, and served on the U.S.S. Mispillion. He graduated with a B.S. degree from East Texas State University/A&M Commerce, and graduated from University of Houston School of Optometry. He joined Dr. Calvin Gutherie in Temple immediately after completing his education in 1963. After many years in private practice, Dr. Stephens joined Texas State Optical and practiced in downtown Temple and Killeen.

Dr. Stephens was a member of Temple Jaycees and Kawanis Clubs.

Dr. Stephens is survived by his wife, Dot, daughters Cheri O’Leary, Noel Cummings (Jeff), grandson Weston O’Leary (Jill), granddaughters Hannah O’Leary and Lilly Cummings, all of Temple. He is also survived by one sister, Paulette Roberson (Roy) of Tyler, Texas.

Dr. Stephens was preceded in death by his parents, a son, John Scott Stephens, a brother, James Stephens, and a sister, Patsy Elliott.

The family gives a special thanks to Wildflower Place and Compassus Hospice for their care of Dr. Stephens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Macular Degeneration Foundation (www.eyesight.org) or a charity of your choice.