Ronald Ernest Stephens
Husband, father, and grandfather Ronald Ernest Stephens passed on to be with the Lord on Monday, June 19th 2023. He was 75 years old.
Ron was born in Salem, Illinois, on January 12th, 1948. Ron moved several times throughout his childhood wherever his father was sent by Haliburton. Ron attended and graduated from Lewis County high school in Weston, West Virginia in 1966. During his time there he was an accomplished clarinetist making all state band. He attended Oral Roberts University and completed a bachelor’s degree in micro biology.
Ron spent a few years in a master’s program for pre-med, but was unable to complete it after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Ron would go on to teach chemistry at the high school level. Ron would later transition into work with computers at CompTek as a contractor for the US Air Force at Langley. He would continue to work there until his chronic illness advanced to the point where he made the decision to go on disability and stay home to homeschool his children.
Ron has always had a heart for God and engaged in some form of church ministry throughout his life, whether it be with youth or music. Ron would not allow his disability to limit the work God would have him accomplish. Ron was able to be a positive influence to all those he came in contact. He gave generously of the resources he was blessed with. Ron was a deep thinker, slow to anger, and quick to forgive. Even in the last several months of his life he would build a relationship with every nurse, aid, doctor, and care worker and they would go away encouraged having experienced the love of God.
Ron is survived by his brother Roger Stephens. His daughter Megan Stephens and her wife Katie Stephens with their daughter Josie. His son Jonathan Stephens and daughter in law Amber Stephens with his two grandchildren Carter and Mia Stephens. Ron is preceded in death by his wife Dee Stephens as well as his parents Rufus Stephens and Vera Mae Stephens.