John Stephens

SERVICES: 5:00 PM Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the United Methodist Church of Groom, with Rev. Weldon Rives, pastor, officiating.BURIAL: Fairview Cemetery in Pampa, with military honors courtesy of the U. S. Navy. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Stephens was born December 12, 1923 in Gray County to John and Dorothy Stephens. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, serving from 1943 until 1946 as a fire control-man on the U.S.S. Oakhill in the Asiatic/Pacific area. He took part in the Philippine liberation. After his honorable discharge, Jack returned to Gray County and became a farmer with his father. He married Margie Lawrence on November 27, 1949 in Pampa. He was an honorary member of Alpha Mu Xi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority because of his tireless work on the development of the Groom City Park. Jack was a member of the United Methodist Church of Groom and the Men's Bible Class. One of his favorite hobbies was to tell stories.SURVIVORS: his wife of 61 years: Margie Stephens of the home; 3 sons: Larry Stephens and wife Kay of Pampa, Brent Stephens and wife Beverly of Groom, and Alan Stephens and Lola Bribiesca of Canyon; 4 grandchildren: Adam Stephens of Austin, Michael Stephens of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lori Gray and husband Lee of Lubbock, and Michele Law and husband James of Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents.MEMORIALS: United Methodist Church of Groom or a charity of your choice.