Don M Stephenson, born August 13th, 1946, in Lamesa, TX passed away after a short illness in Carrollton, TX on October 18th, 2019. The short illness was complicated by chronic pain and longer term health issues.
Don grew up in west Texas, but graduated high school in Hamilton, TX in 1964. His parents, who preceded him in death, were Thomas “Dude” Stephenson and Mary Elizabeth (Stevens) Stephenson.
Don served in the United States Marine Corps, and was critically wounded in the Vietnam War on March 9, 1966, and had life-long health issues after that time. He earned a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with ribbon bar, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross color), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He will be buried with military honors.
He met Ida Sue Ellis and married her in 1978. Ida Sue Stephenson, preceded Don in death 10 years ago. Don graduated from Tarleton State University in 1978. They had one son, Michael (Mike) Stephenson in 1980.
Don and Ida lived in Bourne, TX, where they were both school teachers. After Michael was born they moved back to Hamilton, lived there until 2000, moved to Belton, TX, and then briefly in Temple, TX. Don worked at Hamilton National Bank, Hamilton High School, and Jonesboro High School.
After Ida passed, Don lived in Carrollton, TX, just a few short minutes from his son Mike and Mike’s wife Ashley. Don is survived by his sister: Kathryn Copeland- Midland, TX, brothers: Dean Stephenson, Comanche, TX, JD Stephenson-Bismarck, ND, and Terry Stephenson - Lampasas, TX, Mike and Ashley Stephenson - Carrollton, TX and his two grandkids - Ava Stephenson and Cody Stephenson.
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