LTC Peter Joseph Stephens, MD (Retd) U.S.A.F.

Lt. Col. Peter Joseph Stephens, M.D., USAF, Retired, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2013 after an extended illness. Born in Germany December 29, 1944, he was the son of Maria Zuber Stephens and the late Edward William Stephens. He became a naturalized United States citizen on July 26, 1955.

Dr. Stephens attended schools in Germany and the United States graduating Valedictorian from Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated with a B.S., in biology with honors from Texas A&M University in Stephenville, and later from The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Medicine, also with honors. In addition, he earned his Master's Degree in Public Health and a specialty in Aero Space Medicine with an emphasis in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Dr. Stephens was a highly decorated Vietnam combat pilot serving two tours. He served as a Cobra Attack helicopter pilot in the U. S. Army and as a F-4 Phantom Jet Pilot in the U. S. Air Force. While in Vietnam, he showed bravery and valor while volunteering for missions above and beyond the call of duty often rescuing stranded or wounded troops under heavy artillery fire. For his exceptional service he received many honors including the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star medals. Following Vietnam he commanded a mobile field hospital during the invasion of Granada. At one time he was the only medical doctor in the U. S. Air Force with a flight rating. For the remainder of his military career he served as a Flight Surgeon and later utilized his expertise in Aerospace medicine by implementing ground breaking therapies using the Hyperbaric Chamber at Brooks Air Force Base.

Dr. Stephens was an avid reader and brought a dry sense of humor to every arena of his life. He was an excellent cook and loved music and film- especially anything off beat and quirky that would make him laugh. He was a devoted family man loved by all, he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth Dirkje Stephens and her children Richard and Lisette Schouwenaar of Holland, his daughters Stephanie Stephens and Allison Pitman, grandchildren Daniel "Yates" Pfeiffer and Maria "Isabel" Hutt, his beloved and devoted mother Maria Stephens, his sister the former Houston Council Member Christin Hartung-McAlister, and brother, Mark Stephens, two nieces Donna Martin and Reid Stephens and nephew Mark Stephens, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 4, 2013 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 9:30am at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. William Shockley officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full Air Force Honors.