Walter Stephens

Walter Weldon "Steve" Stephens, 84, of Lufkin, was born December 22, 1927 in Angelina County, Texas, the son of the late Ruth Ann (Flowers) and Walter Berry Stephens. He passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2012 in a local hospice facility.

Mr. Stephens grew up on his parents' farm in Pollok. He met and married the love of his life, Soleta Merl Goodwin on April 9, 1949. Hunting, fishing, and gardening were his hobbies. He was an avid reader and had a passion to keep up with worldly events and politics. He was an electrical superintendent for Temple Associates, retiring in 1983. Mr. Stephens was a licensed Master Electrician in the State of Texas. He was of the Baptist Faith.

Survivors include his daughter, Deborah Winston of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and John (J.D.) Clifton of Hudson; son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Darlene Stephens of Lufkin; grandchildren, Benjamin Dee "Beau" Winston II of Chicago, Illinois, Lacey Keath and husband Clay of Lufkin, Tammy Guerra and husband Gabriel of Lufkin, and Nancy Martin and husband Jimmy of Pollok; great-grandchildren, Alexandra Leigh Keath, Clara Layne Keath, and Hill Winston Keath, all of Lufkin, Brianna Lee McMeekin of Monument, Colorado and Michael Cameron Davis of Colorado Springs, Colorado; best friend and companion, his dog Coco; sister, Anna Ruth Wesley of Pollok; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Joe Thomas Crawford of Lufkin; brother-in-law, Thurman Goodwin of Diboll; and a number of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Mr. Stephens was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Soleta Merl (Goodwin) Stephens (1985); granddaughter, Kimberly Davis (2005); and sister, Lola Bell Wyatt.

Pallbearers will be Benjamin Dee "Beau" Winston II , Joe Crawford, Jr., Jeremy Vinson, Jay Vinson, Gabriel Guerra and Stephen Harrison.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Diane Ulmer and Karen Stone of K & D Services, Hospice in the Pines, Dr. Vegiraju for his excellent care of Mr. Stephens, and his family physician for many years, Dr. James E. Saxton.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Stephens' memory may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904; Harmony Hill Baptist Church for the "Paving the Way Campaign", 2708 S. Chestnut, Lufkin, Texas 75901; or a favorite charity of your choice.

Services for Mr. Stephens will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joe Carriere and Bro. Don Lofton officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home