Richard Brian Stephens

Richard Brian Stephens of St. Clair Shores and Lewiston, and former 30+ year resident of Harper Woods, Michigan, passed away peacefully at St. John’s Hospital in Detroit on July 18, 2025. Richard was born on November 25, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Herbert and Elizabeth Stephens (nee “Ojala”). Richard, also dubbed as the “52er”, worked at General Motors and American Axle before he retired at the young age of 56. Richard leaves behind the love of his life, Gloria (nee Shover), his two daughters, Lisa (Tom) Hornbacher of West Branch, Michelle (Brian) Garvey of Grand Blanc, and special niece, Suzette (Donald) Riley, of Dauphin, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren: Allysa (Jared) Gratopp, Michael Gratopp, Ryan Garvey, Jaclyn Garvey, Megan Garvey, Jake Hornbacher and Taylor Hornbacher; great granddaughters, Sawyer and Scottie Palm, and great grandchildren, Carter and Kadence Palm, along with many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by very, near and dear family friends; Kenny, Janet, Bobby, Ronnie and Donna Redpath; and special long-time friend, Danny Rusek. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Jeffrey Stephens, sister, Gail Belk, brother, Trent Stephens, brother-in-law, Jim Belk, sister-in-law, Holly Stephens, and many other loved ones. Richard was beyond excited to celebrate his 60th anniversary with his wife, Gloria, on June 7th of this year in West Branch, Michigan when family and friends reconnected for “one last celebration” and many stories of years past were shared. Richard did not want a funeral filled with sorrow and sadness. He only asked that at some point we all gather and celebrate the circle of life with one last Budweiser. That celebration will be held later this year in Lewiston, Michigan where we will gather, toast, and remember the man who always reminded us, “I’ve had a ‘GUD’ run young-in”.