Michael R. Stephens

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Michael Ralph Stephens, who departed this life for heaven on March 27, 2025, at the age of 80. A firecracker baby, Mike entered this world with a bang on July 4, 1944. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Pop, as he was affectionately referred to by his children and grandchildren, was known for his willingness to talk to anyone, his captivating and humorous storytelling ability, his dedicated and perfection-driven work ethic, and his immense and unwavering love for his family.

Mike believed in hard work and held many jobs. At the young age of 12, he began work in his father’s shop, grinding rust off metal to help his dad build boat trailers. By 14 he worked bagging groceries at local stores and then moved on to selling auto parts at Hanna Gray and managing paperboys at the Southwest Times Record before settling on his final career choice. For decades he worked at several local dairies—Acee, Foremost, and Hiland—first as a milkman and then in sales. After almost 50 years in the milk business, he retired from Hiland Dairy as the sales manager.

A Cavanaugh boy, Mike loved his Fort Smith hometown. He was proud to be the great-great-grandson of Brooken Stephens, the first sheriff of Sebastian County, and a descendant of the Beaty and Browder families, who resided in south Fort Smith since the mid-1800’s. Mike loved researching family genealogy, playing golf, refurbishing clocks, working in his yard and flowerbeds, and cheering on the Razorbacks. Mike also enjoyed stock car racing and manned the pit gate at Tri-State Speedway for many years. Above all he loved his family, and he cherished spending time with them. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and love.

He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Janet; children, daughter Michele Walker and spouse Bryant, son Douglas Stephens and spouse Stacey, and stepson Bobby Barnes; grandchildren Brett Sparkman and spouse Allie, Faith Walker, Grace Walker and fiancée Ally Asous, Matthew Stephens, and Natalie Stephens; precious great-granddaughter Stella Sparkman; mother-in-law Jurl Reynolds; brother-in-law Mike Shelton and spouse Janie; sister-in-law Collyn “Suzie” Shelton, many beloved nieces and nephews, special friends/neighbors Greg and Judy Jones, and his best little four-legged companion, Ben the Shih Tzu.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert Stephens, mother Rosalie Stephens, grandparents Momma Dot and Daddy Penny Browder, and brother Reverend Ben Stephens.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visitation will be Monday, March 31, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com