Richard Wesley Stephens "Dick"

The Family of Richard Wesley Stephens have the privilege to share the extraordinary life and some special memories of our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend who went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021.

Richard Wesley Stephens, “ Dick” was born on July 31, 1936 to Tony and Maxine Stephens in Loma Linda California. He was welcomed at home by his older brother, Ralph Stephens who at times, would trade roles with Dick climbing into his crib trading his chocolate bar for Dick’s bottle. In adulthood, both brothers enjoyed each other’s company coupled with a a friendly competitive game of cribbage or poker.

Dick grew up on Poplar street in San Bernardino and attended San Bernardino High School from 1951 to 1954. He played high school football and was a proud member of the Cardinals. He was frequently spotted cruising “E” street in his chevy or swing dancing at the local sock hop.

He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Prominski in 1956 and started work at Welch’s Uniform Company.

In 1957 and 1959, Dick became the proud father of Debi Linn and Richard Wesley Jr.

During his early career, Dick had a dream of starting and owning his own business. In 1960, Carpet Masters was born and Dick opened shop in Muscoy, Ca providing carpet cleaning, flooring, upholstery , and drapery services to the community providing quality work with true integrity. His ability to incorporate and understand the individualized need of each customer, help create a vision, and produce the finished product helped to build a strong customer base with many long-lasting relationships. In 1974, Carpet Masters was moved to 2 buildings on South Waterman to support the company’s growth.

In 1982 Dick was remarried to Sheila Fairchild and added three of Sheila’s children, Richard, Robert, and Stoni to the Stephens Family. Together Dick and Sheila had ten grandchildren, Jaclyn, Geoffrey, Misti, Richard III, Austin, Nicholas, Michael, Shayler, Rowan, and Trace. They also had 7 great grandchildren, Gavin, Liam, Eric, Anthony, Richard IV, Wyatt and Warren. In total 15 boys, all of which he referred fondly to each one of them as “son” and we all referred to them as “little Dicks”!

The family home became a home for ALL, to include raising 4 litters of Dobermans who reigned in the nearby hills and swimming pool! Dick loved to entertain and was a master with the barbeque, never missing a meal unless of course, one of the dogs removed it from the grill when unattended!

Dick was committed to San Bernardino and his roots and strongly supported his community through all types of service groups, participated in many committees, and gave his time freely to support others.

Dick presided as President of the Exchange Club and was in charge of the “Book of Golden Deeds” that highlighted the contributions of individuals in the community. He was an active member of the Executive Association, Masonic Lodge, Rotary, Salvation Army, participated in Assistance League activities and was a judge during the Miss San Bernardino Pageants. He was the captain of many rivers trips with the executive club and rumor has it, he drove a mean houseboat!

When not working, Dick enjoyed time with his family boating, water skiing, fishing, dancing, traveling to his second home in Ensenada, Mexico, and cruising to tropical destinations. He enjoyed the arts of Civic Light Opera and the symphony and loved his crocodile and lizard shoes that could give the Rat Pack real competition! He enjoyed attending Nascar and Indy races and hearing the roar of the engines along with the famous words “Gentlemen , start your engines”! He did get the opportunity to climb into a Nascar race car to take 8 laps around the 1.5 mile, 12- 20 degree banking on the turns at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, clocking in at 121 MPH. The driving was fun, fast, and piece of cake. Getting in and out of the window was the challenge! He celebrated his victorious laps at the winner’s circle with a Bud and his co-pilot son, Richard. He realized at that time, he should not quit his day job and that the seats from the grandstands would suffice.

Dick loved football and helped coach his son’s Richard’s , Jr All American football team, the” Cardinals”, helping to take all 22 of them to a state championship in Hawaii.

He used his charisma and charm to build lasting relationships and made friends everywhere he went using every opportunity to learn more about others.

Dick was a member of First Baptist Church in San Bernardino where he attended as a small boy and adult with his mom who was a Sunday school teacher and father who was a deacon.

Carpet Masters was sold in 2017 when Dick retired to spend time with the expanding family, while enjoying gardening, cooking, traveling, and ongoing community service.

Dick is survived by his wife, Sheila, His sons, Richard Wesley, Richard, Robert, and daughters Debi and Stoni and 10 grandchild, and 7 great grandchildren.

Dick was the strength and foundation of the Stephens family, and throughout his lifetime, provided support, humor, wisdom, and always, with a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face, gave his friendship and love to those around him.

He was Beloved and Cherished by many, and will Always be and in our Hearts as OUR HERO!

We were so very fortunate to have him in our lives and now trust him to the Loving Care of our Heavenly Father who welcomed him home with a checkered flag for a race well run!

We all anticipate a time when we can gather together again and cherish our memories!

Thank you for your ongoing support for the family and leaving some of your special memories of Dick on these pages of reflection.

Services for Dick will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Montecito tent area and will be laid to rest thereafter at Montecito Memorial Park, both at 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army at

Rotary Club of San Bernardino, P.O. Box 894, San Bernardino, Ca 92404

Salvation Army

The grateful family of Richard Wesley Stephens