Howard Alan Stephens

Howard Alan Stephens, born on July 31, 1947, in Nucla, Colorado, left an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and faith, passing away in Grand Junction, Colorado, on March 16, 2026. A lifelong resident of Nucla, Howard's brief sojourn in Coalinga, California, during part of his eighth-grade year only served to deepen his roots in his hometown, where he built a life founded on the bedrock of hard work, faith, family, and community. Growing up in a small town, Howard learned the value of responsibility early on through daily farming chores, cultivating a strong work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life. At a young age, Howard developed a lifelong passion for baseball, playing OTA ball where he excelled as a catcher, earning the nickname “Yogi,” after Yogi Berra, and achieving impressive high school baseball stats throughout his four years as a varsity starter. Howard cherished the memories of the games of his youth spent with his closest friends, Danny Stephens and Jim Beasley, forging bonds that would last a lifetime. Hard work was never far away for Howard as he took a summer job with the telephone company building lines for $2.50 an hour, demonstrating his willingness to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. He graduated in 1965, and the day after graduation, he set out for Alva, Oklahoma, where he drove a combine during the wheat harvest, later continuing his hardworking career in Grants, New Mexico, at a uranium mill. He furthered his career in the mining industry, working as a safety engineer and retiring as the manager of health and safety with the Dow Chemical Corporation in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service. At the age of 18, just two weeks before Thanksgiving, Howard experienced a life-changing moment when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior after attending a revival with coworkers, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and devotion. His faith remained a guiding force throughout his life, illuminating his path and inspiring him to live a life of purpose and meaning. Howard dedicated over two decades of volunteer service as an EMT from 1973 to 1995, selflessly giving of his time and talents to serve others, embodying the very essence of compassion and kindness. Howard married in 1965, and from this union, a son and daughter were born. Later, in 1985, Howard married Caren and remained a loving husband and father to Jeffrey and Kimberli Stephens, his two bonus sons, Casey and Andrew Blood, and foster son Bobby Taber, until the time of his passing. He is survived by his loving spouse, Caren Stephens; his brother, Neal Stephens (Becky); his children, Jeffrey Stephens (Tonya), Casey Blood (Bobbie), Andrew Blood (Sara), and Bobby Taber (Kerri); and his cherished grandchildren: Krystal Soto (Adrian), Brittany Stephens, Amber Chervinicky (Steven), Jacob Blood (Hannah), Emily Blood (Luke), Natalie Allenback (Dylan), Ava Blood, and Skye Blood. He is also survived by several Brother and Sister-in-laws and nieces and nephews whom he thought the world of.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth May Blair Stephens and Harold Dean Stephens; daughter Kimberli Stephens; his sister Katherine;his brothers, John Stephens and Gordon Stephens and niece Audra Stephens. Howard will be remembered for his patience, kindness, and deep love for family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and hope. He had a playful spirit, known for being a prankster and for his famously ticklish ears, bringing joy and laughter to all those around him. He enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, and the Mavericks of Colorado Mesa University. A man of strong Christian faith, Howard lived his life guided by his belief in the Lord Jesus, finding comfort and strength in his relationship with God. He found joy in his relationships and took comfort in knowing others were special and known by Christ. A service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held on April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Jubilee Family Church 483 30 Rd

Grand Junction, CO 81504, with a reception and lunch to follow. He leaves behind these words from Ephesians 1:4–5: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Howard’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who take the time to celebrate his life, knowing that he treasured each relationship deeply and would want everyone to remember that they are special and known by Jesus.