Lloyd Walker Stephenson

Born in Annis Idaho, Lloyd met Louise Hohman in high school in Dubois, Idaho. They were married in 1944 during a short leave he took from the U.S Navy. Immediately after their marriage, he was deployed to the South Pacific, where he was a electrician aboard LCI 372. His interest in electrical engineering continued after the war when he studied radio and television electronics engineering at Idaho State, getting his degree in 1950. He was appointed as an instructor in radio engineering at the college shortly after graduation.

Lloyd had a long, distinguished career in nuclear engineering. During his 10 years at Westinghouse, he worked on the historic BORAX III nuclear reactor, which powered the entire town of Arco, Idaho. He went on to work on systems for the NS Savannah, the first nuclear powered passenger ship, in Texas. The ship was part of the “Atoms for Peace” program which demonstrated that a nuclear powered ship could be used for commercial purposes. By 1966, in Nevada, he worked with NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application.) NERVA demonstrated that nuclear thermal rocket engines could be a reliable tool for space exploration. Four years later, Lloyd moved to Citrus Heights to complete his career with SMUD at the Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station.

A devout Christian, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Citrus Heights for 45 years. Lloyd is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Cora Louise Stephenson of Roseville; two children, Myrla Valine and Timothy Stephenson; six grand children, Jayme, Shawna, Marshall, Joshua, Tracie and Meghan; and four great, grand children. He is pre-deceased by two sons, Robert Stephenson and Larry Stephenson.

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 19 from 4-7pm at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks; with a funeral service on Friday, July 20 at 10:30am at Citrus Heights Community Church, 7405 Mariposa Ave, Citrus Heights. Graveside service will be held at 12:00pm at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks.