Jesse Lee, or “Steve” as he was affectionately called by many, attended Douglass High School, in El Paso, Texas where he received his diploma. Jesse Lee accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church by the pastor, Rev. L.W. Butler. At the age of sixteen, Jesse reached a significant milestone in his youth when, with his parents’ permission, he enlisted into the United States Army in 1946, in Tucson, Arizona. His basic training was at Fort McCallan, Alabama. This same year he was transferred to Yokohama, Japan. He was then assigned to William Beaumont General (Army) Hospital, in Fort Bliss, Texas. And finally, Jesse was assigned to his last Army base location at Letterman General Hospital, in San Francisco, California. Three years later, in 1949, Jesse transferred into the United States Air Force soon after its formation.
Between all this globe-trotting, and once he settled down a bit in San Francisco, Jesse met and soon married the love of his life, Myrtle Marion Martin on July 8, 1950. She was 19 and he was 20. Together they had six children: Steve DeWayne (deceased), Brian Elliot, Stuart Donnelly, Dawn Adrienne, Edwin Keith, and Vernon Lee. Throughout Jesse’s 23-plus year military career, Myrtle and their family moved often and lived on several military bases, including: Chateauroux AB, France (3 years); Stead AFB, Nevada (3 years); Hamilton AFB, California (3years); Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio (3 years); Ankara, Turkey (family remained in El Paso, TX), Tuslog Headquarters Surgeons Office (2 years); Dover AFB, Delaware USAF Hospital (4 years). Jesse retired from the Air Force in 1969, at the age of 39! And although he never expressed his accomplishments as being a “big deal,” it really was.
Jesse took advantage of all necessary opportunities to excel. He bore down and quickly reached the rank of Chief Master Sergeant/E9 in 1961, which was the highest Non-Commissioned Officer rank. He accomplished this feat after 14-15 years of military service. Generally, it takes about 18-20 years of military service to achieve such an impressive pinnacle in one’s career. Additionally, because Jesse was able to enlist at an early age, he was only 31-32 years old when he achieved this rank. It placed him as a candidate to be considered for the position of the Chief Master Sergeant rank – a lofty peak to have reached regardless of race, color, or creed. Along the way, while climbing the ladder of opportune promotions, a First Lieutenant Flight Surgeon’s recommendation letter dated June 7, 1955, wrote in part: “He has organized the men in this department into a smoothly working organization and is an excellent supervisor of other men. He has the quality of obtaining the most work from his men with the least objection from those men. He is a good leader, a good administrator, possesses a forceful personality and has an excellent knowledge of medicine for his rate.”
On March 1, 1962, Jesse Lee Stephens, Jr. was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (eight stripes). He stated that one of his fondest memories while still serving in the Air Force occurred on May 10, 1966 in Ankara, Turkey when he attended a meeting with the Secretary of the Air Force, Honorable, Dr. Harold Brown, who had breakfast with the Senior NCO’s of Tuslog Headquarters.
Aside from these career accomplishments and raising a large family, both our parents were involved in their children’s individual extracurricular activities. They believed strongly in finding balance by participating as volunteers in positions of school matters (PTA), after school brownies and Girl Scouts, Cub and Boy Scouts) activities, as well as, sports, military organizations, and church. Their achievements through example motivated all their children to know and to believe – you can achieve anything, if you have an outstanding work ethic and a “no one can define my potential or hold me down” attitude. So, thank you Mom and Dad for being our trendsetters. It has served us all well!
On a more personal note, our “diehard NFL season ticket holder” father LOVED! His SF 49ERS!!! . . . and the San Francisco Giants . . . and the Golden State Warriors . . . and his beloved COWBOYS, not the NFL team! the good ole’ spaghetti circuit westerns . . . and most other sports, too. Dad enjoyed exercising each day, along with his morning walks. He was consistent for years, meeting and talking to practically everyone he passed. Dad was kind, thoughtful, caring, and giving. He spoke about how grateful he was for the life he had lived. He could also be tough and critical, but fair. More than anything, Dad had a terrific sense of humor and wit about him. Even in some of his declining moments., he would bounce back to reassure his listener that he knew exactly what was going on and then smile or laugh. It was a reminder to each of us – to enjoy life and not allow yourself to take things for granted, or too seriously. Have fun!
Jesse’s loving wife of 71 years, Myrtle, preceded him in death. Jesse went to sleep peacefully at home. He departed this life on February 3, 2023, to join his lifelong mate and bride, Myrtle (August 3, 2021), exactly one and a half year later. Jesse – also known as “Esse” (Mom’s pet name for him), “Sonny Boy,” “Chief,” “Arizona Daddy,” and “GP” (short for Grandpa) leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Dawn Walker Hatchett (Jerrold); son, Vernon, all of Phoenix, AZ; sons, Brian (Linda); Stuart (Linda); and Edwin; grandsons, Lamar Harris Walker (Rachel) and Jordan Moore, all of California; grandson, Jason Moore (Jackie), of Tucson, AZ; and his heart – great grandchildren: Omar, Lamont, Chase, Kaede, Kai, Cora and Jordyn. Jesse leaves behind a vast number of loved ones that include, but are not limited to “The most amazing, loving and caring neighbor-friends anyone could wish for,” / his Johnson AZ Family connection / our Young-Wise Family Reunion relatives / his military and civilian friends and acquaintances / and everyone else who also matters and is appreciated. Thank you!
Aside from his parents and wife, Jesse was preceded in death by his brother, William Henry Stephens and eldest son, Steve DeWayne Stephens.
The Funeral service will be livestreamed on Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Funeral Home's Facebook Page. Livestream will begin at the service start time of 11:30am (Arizona Time), the link to the Facebook page can be found below:
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