JEFFREY PAUL STEPHENS

JEFFREY PAUL STEPHENS News Staff Tue, 10/24/2023 - 11:03 Subheader body July 14, 1960-October 15, 2023 In-page image(s)   Body Jeffrey Paul Stephens, 63, passed on to his eternal home on Sunday, October 15, 2023. A memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held on Friday, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Edmond. Those attending are encouraged to wear red or crimson in support of Jeff’s love for the Sooners. Jeff was born on July 14, 1960, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to Robert and Doris Stephens. He spent much of his childhood in South Africa before returning to Oklahoma and graduating from Broken Arrow High School in 1978. After high school, he attended Oklahoma Christian University as well as the University of Oklahoma. Jeff was a natural people person and had a successful career in sales, making friends with many clients along the way. On September 1, 1989, Jeff married Catherine “Cathy” Diane Stephens and gained not only a beautiful wife but two beloved sons. Jeff and Cathy spent their life together in Edmond, where they raised their sons Justin and Tyler. Jeff could be described many ways, but hospitable, fun, loving and welcoming seem to be the memories that many boast of him. Fondly known as “Chef Jeff”, he could always be found cooking in the kitchen or grilling on his back deck. He was an avid fan of any OU sport and loved to entertain and feed friends and family as he cheered on his Sooners. Many special memories were made with his sons and their friends during those game days and many considered Jeff as a second father. During the holiday season, Jeff quickly earned the badge of “Clark Griswold” lighting up his house and yard for all to see! A special memory to his family and neighbors was the New Year’s Eve tradition of using a BB gun to shoot out his signature Christmas tree shaped lights on his roof. In 2012, Jeff’s granddaughter Cara was born and he proudly became “B’Pa”. Jeff and Cara had a very special relationship. In her early years, Jeff could be found fixing Cara’s hair every morning and painting her nails as she grew up, they forged a special bond in the kitchen. Cara was an absolute light in Jeff’s life and their special memories and special recipes will be carried on by Cara for many years to come. Jeff bravely and gracefully fought a multitude of health issues for many years. He truly believed that every day was a gift and every moment mattered. He quickly made an impact on each medical professional that he came across and many have voiced the joy that he brought them over the years. Jeff will be greatly missed by all! Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Cathy; stepson Justin Dutton and granddaughter Cara of Edmond; stepson Tyler Dutton and wife Cara of Sunderland, England; brother Jim Stephens and wife Kathryn of Edmond; brother Jack Stephens and wife Roni of Rogers, Arkansas; brother Joe Stephens and wife Rhonda of Fort Worth, Texas; sister-in-law Julie Culver and husband Bob “Ed” of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; brother-in-law Mike Arrington and wife Debbie of Canadian, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Doris Stephens, as well as his parents-in-law, George and Jane Arrington. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Jeff’s name to the Free to Live Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 5884, Edmond, OK 73083 (www.freetolive.org) or to The Ostomy Association of OKC in care of Sharon Hendricks, 4109 NW 150th Terrace, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.   Obituaries