Stanley Elbert Stephenson
March 12, 1926 — August 16, 2023
Stanley E. Stephenson of New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 16, 2023, age 97. He was predeceased by his beloved wife the late Mary Benet Stephenson of Fayetteville, AR and his parents Bert and Norine Stephenson and his brothers, Conrad (survived by Kay) of Lehi, Bud (survived by Karen) of St. George, UT, and Scott Mortensen (survived by Stephanie Kay) of Riverton, UT.
He was the beloved father of James (Donna) of Ponte Vedra, FL, John (Maria) of New Orleans, the late Michael (survived by Nancy Harris and Molly Sizer) of Elkins, AR, Paul (Andrea) of Charleston, SC, Mary Ann Kelly (Wayne) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Susan Stephenson (Bev) of Gulf Shores, AL. He was also survived by 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 1 surviving cousin, 15 loving nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family and friends in the many cities where he grew up and has lived including Ogden, UT, Fayetteville, AR, Pittsburgh, PA, Gulf Shores, AL, and New Orleans, LA.
He loved his pets like children and provided a full life to his four-legged children Buck, Missy, and George.
He proudly served in the Navy and was a Seaman First Class and an Electricians Mate 3rd Class before his discharge in 1946. He boxed in college and in the Navy. He graduated from the University of Colorado and earned his Ph. D from Texas AM University. Upon graduation, he joined the faculty at the University of Arkansas in the Department of Engineering in 1964. He served as the coordinator of the Coop program several years and was appreciated by his students, voted Outstanding Faculty member multiple years before retiring in 1992. He ran marathons, never met an appetizer he didn’t want to order for the table, played tennis and golf, loved hunting and fishing, was an avid outdoorsman since boyhood, and enjoyed sharing his love of nature with his children and grandchildren. He remained active throughout his life and was proud to have won his age group at 80 years old in Pittsburgh’s 10K Great Race.
His family wishes to thank friends, colleagues, and former students for enriching his life with their love and support. His family will miss his keen mind, amazing tales and stories, his smile and singing, his love of life and people, and his ability to bring tremendous warmth to gatherings of family and friends.
All friends and family are invited to attend any of the several memorial celebrations of a long life, well lived.
New Orleans, LA: Friends will be received at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062 (https://www.muhleisen.com/) from 6-9 PM on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 and 12-2 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2023. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel.
Fayetteville, AR: The interment of the ashes and a celebration of life will be held in Fayetteville, AR the weekend of November 4th. More details will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to Heifer International at heifer.org, CurePSP, 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013, or Animal Rescue New Orleans, 271 Plauche Street, Jefferson, LA 70123.