Steve J. Stephens

Steve J. Stephens, 92, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, in Center, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 24, 1932, in Shelby County, Texas, to the late Hamp S. Stephens and Dovie (Smith) Stephens.

Visitation will be held from 12PM - 2PM on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

Funeral service will begin at 2PM at Mangum Funeral Home, in Center, with Bro. Chuck Horton and Bro. Greg Sutis officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery.

Steve was a lifelong resident of Shelby County. He graduated from Center High School and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Steve built a long and respected career as an engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation. Over more than twenty years of service, he contributed to the development and maintenance of vital infrastructure across the state before retiring.

Steve met the love of his life, Margie Cupit, at church through a mutual friend. Their bond grew into a marriage that spanned over 67 years—a testament to enduring love and shared faith. Together they raised a family and built a life rooted in devotion to one another and their community.

Outside of his professional and spiritual commitments, Steve found great joy in ranching and farming. He especially loved raising cattle and spending time outdoors. His greatest happiness came from being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—moments he cherished deeply.

A man of deep faith, Steve was an active member of White Rock Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years. Steve’s legacy is one of quiet strength, steadfast love, and unwavering faith. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife,

Margie Stephens

Daughters,

Shelia Clark

Brenda Bush

Sisters,

Maxine Malnar

Verna Sue Farris

Grandchildren,

Randi Kay Menzies

Lindsey Smith

Dustin Clark

Great-Grandchildren,

Jordan Menzies

Kingston Menzies

Tucker Smith

Tyler Smith

Dayton White

Numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Hamp and Dovie Stephens; brother, T.O. Stephens; sisters, Benna Dell Russell, La Faye Perkins; son-in-law, Danny Paul Bush; and grandson, Cody Bush.

Pallbearers serving will be Dustin Clark, Bruce Malnar, Clyde Herrington, Randy Taylor, Tracy Taylor, Gary Taylor, Darrell McDaniel, and Mark Menefee.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Adams, Jimmy Ward, Curtis Menefee, Claude Lucas, Grant Menzies, and Jacob Smith.