Dr. Donald L. Stephens

Dr. Donald L. Stephens, 88, of Dayton,TX passed away peacefully at Liberty Health Care facility in Liberty, Tx on April 19th, 2025. Don was born to Gilbert A. and Pearl Iva Stephens on March 9, 1937 in East Chicago, Indiana.

He lived in East Chicago with his parents and brother and moved about the US according to his dad’s work. Don and his family moved to Central Gardens, TX in 1953. He attended Nederland High School and played football for the Nederland Bulldogs during the years of Coach O. A. “Bum” Phillips. He joined the National Guard in April of 1954 and continued his service in the National Guard and Army Reserve for many years. The year 1954 held the major turning point in his life. In the summer of 1954, a young man by the name of Percy Sanderson came to his home, sat on his bed, and told him about the saving Love of Jesus! His decision to follow Christ proved to be the catalyst of his life long journey in ministry. He not only accepted Christ as his Savior, but surrendered his life fully to serving others. On August 6th, 1956 Don married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Shelby Vincent Stephens.

In the fall of 1957 they and their new daughter Donna, moved to Marshall, TX where he began studies at East Texas Baptist College, now University. During this time Don worked several jobs, attended college, served in the military branches, and had several ministry opportunities, including ministry at local hospitals and churches. Don and Shelby welcomed their second child, son Gary, in 1961 in Marshall, TX. Don started pastoring in Lovelady, TX and then moved on to Oak Grove Baptist Church in Harleton, TX while also still studying. Eventually, the family relocated to Linden, TX where Don and family served at Pinecrest Baptist Church for several years. In January of 1966, Don was again called by the Lord to relocate to Illinois. This area of Illinois was farmland , and was considered a mission field for Southern Baptist ministries. He moved his family to Plainfield, Illinois, located about 36 miles from Chicago in January. The temperature was 20 below. For Texans, it was a shock and an adjustment! A new world of experience opened up including expanding the church and building a new church building. Don always followed the call of God to go where he felt led, so in 1970 Don and family moved to Canton, Illinois to work with Temple Baptist Church.

During these times in Illinois Don enjoyed vacationing back to Texas and spending time with family going to amusement parks and things along the way. By the summer of 1973 God had plans for Don and family to return to their home state. He would become the pastor at Kentshire Baptist Church in Houston, TX and remain there from 1973-1984. It was a very blessed time. Kentshire Christian School was formed and a legacy of students that would go on to be leaders and ministers was born. Lifelong friendships were forged that continue to this day. Don and family traveled together and he and Shelby began their enjoyment of camping and traveling together with friends in their campers or motor homes.

Also, their daughter was married and started having their grandchildren. They loved the babies! It was a hard decision once again to leave people they loved to follow the Lord, and this time it was to be to in North Carolina. They enjoyed 19 years at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Elkin, North Carolina. This opened up so many opportunities for different avenues of ministry including a radio broadcast and teaching at a local Bible College. Don’s family traveled and enjoyed so much of North Carolina’s beauty and built lasting memories and bonded with the people of Pleasant Hill. His influence is seen in the testimonies of so many who have shared their love and experience and memories.

Don’s final pastorate of 20 years began back in Texas, at Bear Creek Baptist Church in Cleveland,TX. He served as pastor until his retirement at age 86. To sum up, Don’s life exemplified a servant’s heart for Christ. He loved to preach! It was the passion of his life to lead everyone in his path to Jesus. He loved Jesus, loved his wife with all his heart, and loved his children, grands, and their families. He left a large footprint that will be hard to fill.

He always said, “When life’s journey is over, I will not die, I’ll have just changed residence! For those of you who are born again, it’s only a see you later! We will meet again in Glory!”

Welcome Home!

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert A. Stephens and Pearl Iva Stephens of Texas City, TX; brother, Gene Stephen of Texas City, TX; sister-in-law, Char Stephens of Texas City, TX.

He is survived by his wife, Shelby J. Stephens of Dayton,TX; son, Gary W. Stephens of Dayton, TX; daughter, Donna J. Jouette and husband Steve of Dayton, TX; granddaughter, Misty R. Brock and husband Trent of Dayton, TX; granddaughter, Stacey D. Allsbrooks and husband Jerod of Dayton, TX; grandson, Casey S. Jouette and wife Erica from Kingwood, TX; great grandchildren, Ella Arden Brock, Easton Landry Brock, Drew Edward Allsbrooks, Samuel Case Allsbrooks, all of Dayton, TX, Jax Benjamin Jouette and Knox Abram Jouette of Kingwood, TX, and Avery and Faith Allsbrooks of Huffman, TX.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Houston,TX on Thursday April 24th, 2025 at 2:00pm.