Thomas Earl Stephens

Thomas Earl Stephens Sr. was born on February 28, 1953 in Los Angeles, California, to Tommy Lee Stephens and Georgia Tignor. He was the first-born son and the third child out of eight siblings. After graduating from Compton High School in 1971, Thomas attended Compton Community College. Later, he enlisted in the United States Army and was retired in 1993. During his time in the army, Thomas met his wife Evelynn Malone while stationed at Fort Drum in New York. His soldiers affectionately called him “Steve” and he was greatly admired by his squad. Their home was a popular gathering place for the entire platoon on weekends. Despite being kind, even tempered, and soft-spoken, Thomas was a skilled leader. He had a patient nature and a soul full of laughter. An avid reader, he especially enjoyed James Patterson's books. Thomas loved to travel and took his children to Euro Disney in Paris, France, and to see Dutch masters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, among other destinations. As a father, he taught his son the fundamentals of sports and was an enthusiastic player of football, basketball, and baseball. He also enjoyed fishing.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Tommy Lee; his mother, Georgia; sisters, Bertha, Shirley, and Emma Jean; and one brother, Wallace Stephens.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Evelynn Malone-Stephens of Moss Point, MS;  two daughters, Vernae’ S. Stephens of Las Vegas, NV and Constance V. Stephens of Gautier, MS;  one son, Thomas Earl Stephens Jr. (Jherica) Minneapolis, MN; two sisters, Mary G Matthews and Patricia (Thomas) Carter of CA; one brother, Ruben Stephens Los Angeles, CA; eight grandsons, Rhazon Smith, Danny Fontno III, Dante Fontno, Donny Fontno, Donavan Fontno of Las Vegas, NV, Josiah Stephens and Thomas Earl Stephens III Minneapolis, MN; two granddaughters,  Indyah Stephens of  Minneapolis, MN and Danea Fontno of Las Vegas NV; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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