Don Stephenson

Don M. Stephenson died Oct. 18, 2019, in Carrollton after a short illness complicated by chronic pain and longterm health issues.

A graveside service was held Sunday, Oct. 20, in Oakwood Cemetery.

Mr. Stephenson was born Aug. 13, 1946, in Lamesa to Thomas “Dude” Stephenson and Mary Elizabeth Stevens Stephenson and grew up in West Texas, but graduated high school in Hamilton in 1964.

Don served in the United States Marine Corps and was critically wounded in the Vietnam War on March 9, 1966. He had life-long health issues after that time.  He earned a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with ribbon bar, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross color), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.  He was buried with military honors.

He met Ida Sue Ellis and married her in 1978.  She preceded him in death 10 years ago.  

Don graduated from Tarleton State University in 1978.  They had one son, Michael (Mike) Stephenson, in 1980.

Don and Ida lived in Bourne, where they were both schoolteachers.  After Michael was born, they moved back to Hamilton, lived there until 2000, moved to Belton, then briefly to Temple.  Don worked at Hamilton National Bank, Hamilton High School and Jonesboro High School.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

After Ida passed, Don lived in Carrollton, just a few minutes from his son.  

Survivors include his son, Mike and Ashley Stephenson of Carrollton; a sister. Kathryn Copeland of Midland; brothers Dean Stephenson of Comanche, JD Stephenson of Bismarck, North Dakota,  and Terry Stephenson of Lampasas; and two grandkids, Ava Stephenson and Cody Stephenson.