Thomas Barlowe Stephens

On July 19, 1957, Thomas Barlowe Stephens was born to Alice Gene and William Stephens in Kingman, Arizona. Thom grew up in Kingman and attended Arizona State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. It was evident throughout Thom’s life that the gift of service was a priority. He played a key role in the campus organization, Circle K International, which is where he met many dear friends and was hailed as one of the funniest people any had met. This continued through his whole life and is part of his legacy today.

Thom’s career centered around the financial industry where he managed many different departments during his time at World Savings, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo in California and Texas. As with his college days, Thom built lasting relationships and was best known for his facilitation of leadership classes, mentoring, strong work ethic and ability to accomplish nearly impossible projects. All while adding the dash of humor he was known for. He retired in 2017 after 32 years with the company.

Throughout Thom’s adult life, he developed a real love for God, wanted God to be part of his life, and would search for a church he could call home, which he found at Northern Hills United Methodist Church in 2002. He joined the church and quickly became an excellent and beautiful example of what a church member in action looks like. Thom served on several committees, led Sunday School class, assisted in the development of the church’s small group strategy in the early 2000s, and was a member of the steering team to build the church sanctuary. You could find Thom volunteering for children’s activities, attending all services, and being an active member of the SALT Sunday School class.

Thom met his husband, Thom Reynolds, on November 10, 2005, and they immediately knew they were meant for each other. They officially became “Thom and Thom” when they shared a ring exchange in 2010 and married in 2013 in Long Beach, California surrounded by many family members and friends. In 2015, the marriage became legal in Texas. One of Thom’s best friends was Vera Reynolds, Thom’s mom. He helped care for her and fully supported his husband as he cared for his mom. It was not uncommon to find Thom and Vera playing a mad game of dominoes, sitting on the porch laughing and telling stories, and simply being a wonderful family.

Thom is preceded in death by his parents, Alice Gene and William Stephens, and his sister, Laurel Penrod. Thom is survived by his loving husband of 19 years, Thom Reynolds, his brother Rocky Stephens, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Thom’s life was filled with love and laughter, and he lived by the saying “faith over fear”. While we mourn the loss of our dear Thom, he asked that we do not grieve. He wants us to celebrate, remember the joy, and cherish every moment we are given in life. Though Thom is not physically present with us, his legacy will live on and for that we are ever-thankful.

FUNERAL SERVICESATURDAY, JULY 20, 202411:00 A.M.NORTHERN HILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Reception to follow at church. Please click here to view the service livestream youtube.com/live/OqEI2mfNSmI

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northern Hills United Methodist where the funds will be used to purchase a bench in the church’s prayer walk on behalf of Thom. Additional funds will be given to Christian Assistance Ministries (CAM), which is a non-profit organization that Thom loved.