Curtis Dale Stephens

Curtis Dale Stephens entered into rest March 4, 2012. Dale was born in Criner, Oklahoma on November 28, 1936, to Curtis RB and Helen Keeler Stephens. Dale was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his parents, and his devoted wife of 47 years, Norma Stephens.
Dale is survived by his son, Curtis 'Skip"" Stephens, and daughters, Tamie 'Dian' (Byron) Perdue, Sharon (Terry) Jones, and Melinda Stephens; twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind brothers, Donald (Inez) Stephens of Washington, OK, and Brent Stephens of Blanchard, OK, and a sister, Kathy (Larry) Jones of Tulsa, OK; and his special lady, Betty Foles whom he loved as his dear friend and companion for nine years.
Dale grew up in Washington, Oklahoma where he worked on the family dairy farm. He married Norma Louise Qualls on September 23, 1954. He served in the U.S. Navy from December 9, 1955 to September 22, 1975 as a sailor and a Seabee. He served two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Presidential Service Badge and Meritorious Unit Commendation for his service at Camp David, Maryland under President Nixon. He became service manager for Coastal Machinery before returning to the CB Base as a civil service employee. After retirement he continued doing mechanic work and taught himself wood craft until his health failed him.
Dale was a brilliant man with little formal education. He was a gifted mechanic who could craft or repair anything with wheels or gears. He was an inventor and a lay teacher, his garage being the classroom. Dale will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at 11:00am at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery.
For more information, please call (228)539-9800.