OBITUARY

Richard Wesley Stephens

July 31, 1936 – January 6, 2021

The Family of Richard Wesley Stephens have the privilege to share the extraordinary life and some special memories of our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend who went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021. Richard Wesley Stephens, “ Dick” was born on July 31, 1936 to Tony and Maxine Stephens in Loma Linda California. He was welcomed at home by his older brother, Ralph Stephens who at times, would trade roles with Dick climbing into his crib trading his chocolate bar for Dick’s bottle. In adulthood, both brothers enjoyed each other’s company coupled with a a friendly competitive game of cribbage or poker. Dick grew up on Poplar street in San Bernardino and attended San Bernardino High School from 1951 to 1954. He played high school football and was a proud member of the Cardinals. He was frequently spotted cruising “E” street in his chevy or swing dancing at the local sock hop. He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Prominski in 1956 and started work at Welch’s Uniform Company. In 1957 and 1959, Dick became the proud father of Debi Linn and Richard Wesley Jr. During his early career, Dick had a dream of starting and owning his own business. In 1960, Carpet Masters was born and Dick opened shop in Muscoy, Ca providing carpet cleaning, flooring, upholstery , and drapery services to the community providing quality work with true integrity. His ability to incorporate and understand the individualized need of each customer, help create a vision, and produce the finished product helped to build a strong customer base with many long-lasting relationships. In 1974, Carpet Masters was moved to 2 buildings on South Waterman to support the company’s growth. In 1982 Dick was remarried to Sheila Fairchild and added three of Sheila’s children, Richard, Robert, and Stoni to the Stephens Family. Together Dick and Sheila had ten grandchildren, Jaclyn, Geoffrey, Misti, Richard III, Austin, Nicholas, Michael, Shayler, Rowan, and Trace. They also had 7 great grandchildren, Gavin, Liam, Eric, Anthony, Richard IV, Wyatt and Warren. In total 15 boys, all of which he referred fondly to each one of them as “son” and we all referred to them as “little Dicks”! The family home became a home for ALL, to include raising 4 litters of Dobermans who reigned in the nearby hills and swimming pool! Dick loved to entertain and was a master with the barbeque, never missing a meal unless of course, one of the dogs removed it from the grill when unattended! Dick was committed to San Bernardino and his roots and strongly supported his community through all types of service groups, participated in many committees, and gave his time freely to support others. Dick presided as President of the Exchange Club and was in charge of the “Book of Golden Deeds” that highlighted the contributions of individuals in the community. He was an active member of the Executive Association, Masonic Lodge, Rotary, Salvation Army, participated in Assistance League activities and was a judge during the Miss San Bernardino Pageants. He was the captain of many rivers trips with the executive club and rumor has it, he drove a mean houseboat! When not working, Dick enjoyed time with his family boating, water skiing, fishing, dancing, traveling to his second home in Ensenada, Mexico, and cruising to tropical destinations. He enjoyed the arts of Civic Light Opera and the symphony and loved his crocodile and lizard shoes that could give the Rat Pack real competition! He enjoyed attending Nascar and Indy races and hearing the roar of the engines along with the famous words “Gentlemen , start your engines”! He did get the opportunity to climb into a Nascar race car to take 8 laps around the 1.5 mile, 12- 20 degree banking on the turns at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, clocking in at 121 MPH. The driving was fun, fast, and piece of cake. Getting in and out of the window was the challenge! He celebrated his victorious laps at the winner’s circle with a Bud and his co-pilot son, Richard. He realized at that time, he should not quit his day job and that the seats from the grandstands would suffice. Dick loved football and helped coach his son’s Richard’s , Jr All American football team, the” Cardinals”, helping to take all 22 of them to a state championship in Hawaii. He used his charisma and charm to build lasting relationships and made friends everywhere he went using every opportunity to learn more about others. Dick was a member of First Baptist Church in San Bernardino where he attended as a small boy and adult with his mom who was a Sunday school teacher and father who was a deacon. Carpet Masters was sold in 2017 when Dick retired to spend time with the expanding family, while enjoying gardening, cooking, traveling, and ongoing community service. Dick is survived by his wife, Sheila, His sons, Richard Wesley, Richard, Robert, and daughters Debi and Stoni and 10 grandchild, and 7 great grandchildren. Dick was the strength and foundation of the Stephens family, and throughout his lifetime, provided support, humor, wisdom, and always, with a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face, gave his friendship and love to those around him. He was Beloved and Cherished by many, and will Always be and in our Hearts as OUR HERO! We were so very fortunate to have him in our lives and now trust him to the Loving Care of our Heavenly Father who welcomed him home with a checkered flag for a race well run! We all anticipate a time when we can gather together again and cherish our memories! Thank you for your ongoing support for the family and leaving some of your special memories of Dick on these pages of reflection. Services for Dick will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Montecito tent area and will be laid to rest thereafter at Montecito Memorial Park, both at 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army at Rotary Club of San Bernardino, P.O. Box 894, San Bernardino, Ca 92404 Salvation Army

The grateful family of Richard Wesley Stephens

SEND FLOWERS Add a
Memory Receive
Notifications

Services

8 March

Chapel Service

10:00 am

Montecito Mortuary


Colton, California

GET DIRECTIONS

OTHER SERVICES:

  • Interment

Receive
Notifications Show Your
Support

Memories

Richard Wesley Stephens

have a memory or condolence to add?

ADD A MEMORY
Larry Asmus

February 23, 2021

Dick, we miss you at the Rotary Club of San Bernardino. Thank you for founding Carpet Masters, a business we've used many times. Thank you for being a pillar of our Rotary club and the whole San Bernardino community.

Nick Fairchild

February 22, 2021

Grandpa Dick was always there from when I can first remember , he was always so genuine and loving and he was always around , he wanted to spend time with the people he loved. He always tried to show me new things and teach me about history and I cherish that because I know how valuable the skill of learning can be. Grandpa Dick was one of the first people to really get me into football, he used to tell me old stories about when he played and the players he used to watch and he loved watching the games on Sunday. I did not share the same genes as Richard Wesley Stephens , but he was always my Grandpa and he will always be in my memories.
Love,
Nick

Ana Fairchild

February 22, 2021

Just a few words about someone I admired and respected very much. What I remember and liked the most about Dick was his character. He was someone who was honest and reliable and he always made you feel at ease. If you had a problem he always went out of his way to try to help you solve it. He was like a second dad to me in a way being that my own father passed away over 15 years ago. I know that he is at peace now with Jesus and I await the time when we will see each other again.

Melvin D. McMullen

February 22, 2021

Dick and I became friends through Rotary and though he was quiet in nature, he was an active participant in service to the community.
He was known to be an honest, ethical, successful businessman and his experience was a valuable asset to Rotary's service projects.
Respected by all who knew him, Dick's quiet, friendly smile and wise counsel will be sadly missed by me as well as all of us in Rotary. I truly enjoyed his friendship through the years!

Dr. Bill Orr

February 21, 2021

Richard (Dick) Stevens I met at Rotary in 2003. He was a true gentleman. He never had an unkind word about anyone. I told him in 2003 that my wife and I needed to replace our carpet and several times we went to Carpet Masters to look at carpeting. We finally replaced our carpet in 2016 just before he sold his business. He once said jokingly that "I was his longest sale ever."

Rotarian,

Dr. Bill Orr

Maureen Godfrey

February 20, 2021

Dick will be remembered for his warm smile and his kindness to all!

Tracey Lynn Cohen

February 20, 2021

I wanted to send my deepest condolences to you and your family after hearing about the recent passing of Dick. He was a wonderful friend to myDad, Ellis Cohen and to my Mom, Sally, after Dad passed away so suddenly 27 years ago. It was truly a pleasure knowing him. He will be deeply missed. Please know that I appreciate how much Dick's friendship meant to my family and we will mourn his passing. I'm praying that you will find comfort in your memories of him and in the knowledge that others are missing him too. I know my dad and him are together now laughing and smiling and making up for lost time.
My caring thoughts are with you and your family!

sally Cohen

February 20, 2021

HIs memory lives on in who he was, in how he lived, in who you are, because of him...
HIs love is with you still!

carol Russell

February 20, 2021

We all loved Dick! He was loved by all and leaves a hole in our hearts!
Love, Carol, Terry, Stacy

Tim and Lori Marten

February 20, 2021

We were so very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He will be missed but remembered for his generous nature and commitment to youth and the community.

FROM THE FAMILY