Basil E. Stephens

Born on June 3rd 1922 in New York City to Olive Kellman and Jagmohan Stephens, Basil was raised in Corona, Queens.

He loved music, therefore leading him to play the clarinet.

He attended and graduated from Newtown High School and in 1942 was drafted into the US Army to fight in World War II where he served as a driver in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations.

Upon his discharge Corporal Stephens returned to New York and worked as a cab driver and a bus driver. He married Esme Depass in 1949, and together they raised three children.

In 1952, Basil joined the NYC Corrections Department and on February 1, 1955 he joined the NYC Police Department where he remained until retirement on September 29, 1976 as a Detective. His last assignment was in the 42nd Pct Investigative Unit in the South Bronx. He loved his job, and during his career received One Unit Citation, Four Excellent Police Duty Commendations and One Meritorious Citation.

Basil had two other marriages (Nina Campbell Stephens and Alzayda Smith).

Basil moved to California and Nevada, finally settling in Melbourne, Florida in 2002.

All of his life Basil cherished his family, big band music, and automobiles.

Basil is survived by his three children: Michele, JoAnn and Basil (Jay); his sister Hettie and brother Phillip; his son-in-law Donald Fleming and his sister-in-law, Vivian Stephens. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Dana, Jomo and Alisha; his great-grand daughter Saray; and his best friend and cousin-in-law, Conrad Depass as well as his fourth “adopted son” Charles Bayfield. Basil also has numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and many great friends.