Obituary of John Lemuel Stephens

John Lemuel Stephens passed peacefully from this world to his Eternal Home in Heaven on December 5, 2019. He was born to Raymond and Signe Caroline Stephens in 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent most of his growing up years.  

He met the love of his life, Sharon, at a youth group volleyball game at Moody Church in Chicago. In 1953, they were married and began their 65-year adventure of love and life together. 

John joined the United States Air Force, where he served in Communications for 21 years, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Other overseas tours included Morocco, Libya, and Okinawa. He retired from Nellis AFB, in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

John and Sharon enjoyed membership in the Las Vegas Corvette Association, and boating on Lake Mead. He went back to school and received his Associates Degree, working in real estate, then finance. It was here that John and Sharon gave deep consideration to their relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. They professed their faith in Him and became members of Liberty Baptist Church where they served as Greeters and Care Group Leaders.  

In 2013, John and Sharon moved to Gig Harbor, Washington, to be close to their daughters. They loved Gig Harbor and being a part of Discovery Baptist Church.  

John is survived by his four children: Cheryl (Al) Rogers, John (Tracy) Stephens, Diana Stephens, and Wendy (Robert) Failing, 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ralph Stephens, sister Alma Simone Montgomery, sister Gloria Duber, and his beloved wife, Sharon. Family meant everything to him. He loved each one unconditionally and was so proud of them. He will always be remembered for his tender and generous heart, especially toward those who are less fortunate.  

John will be laid to rest with full military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. A Celebration of Life officiated by his grandson, Pastor Chris Rogers, with reception following, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Discovery Baptist Church in Gig Harbor, Washington. If so desired, donations may be made to Discovery Baptist Church or The Salvation Army in his memory.