05/20/2026
Michael D. Stephenson, 81, of Tenaha, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Nacogdoches. He was born on March 25, 1945, in Carthage, the son of Oran and Frances Stephenson.
Memorial services will be held at 2pm, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Taylor Funeral Home with Jack Runnels serving as Speaker. Visitation will be held immediately prior beginning at 1pm.
These days, hard working people who do things on their own and make a living doing it, are not easy to find. Michael Stephenson was just that. He worked hard for what he wanted. He raised his family, loved his children and grandchildren and did everything he could to pass on the family traditions and legacy that he built with his own hands.
Michael Stephenson life was filled with many notable moments, including the birth of his children and grandchildren, owning his own businesses, marrying his beloved Patsy later in his life and being able to take one last memorable trip in his trucks to Utah last year. He owned his own trucking company and was beyond excited for his son, Jack to be taking over the reins to continue the business that meant so much to him. Michael spent long and dedicated hours with his sons and grandsons in the shop and he never passed up a moment to teach them. He and Grant shared a love of horses and rodeo, and those days brought him great joy as well. Any other time he had was spent with Patsy as they lived to travel, visiting many cool places and enjoyed time in his Airstream.
When he wasn’t with family, he was with his tight group of friends. Their laughter and fun times came as they were sitting around playing cards or simply making the time go by telling stories and enjoying each other’s company. Michael was also known to show up to visit but never without his gift of Southern Maid donuts. He was also a devoted member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Carthage.
Michael is survived by:
Wife of over 30 years, Patsy Ruth Williams Stephenson
Sons:
Jack Stephenson and wife Crystal
Grant Stephenson and wife Lindsay
Daughter, Dana White
Grandchildren:
Blane Stephenson
Brady Stephenson
Josh Stephenson
Avery Malone
Caleb Fallin
Great-grandchildren:
Barrett Stephenson
Graham Malone
Mavrick Malone
Walker Fallin
Andi Fallin
Patrick Malone
Andrew Malone
Brother, Jerry Stephenson
He is preceded in death by his parents, Oran and Francis Stephenson.
Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.
