William Taylor Stephen

February 19, 1940 — May 25, 2023

 Major William Taylor Stephen, regarded by his loved ones as Bill, took his final flight on Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded in love by his family.

Bill was born on February 19, 1940, in Houston. His parents were Jim and Syble Stephen. He enjoyed growing up on a farm with his sister, Bess Ellen in Nacogdoches, Texas and graduated from Nacogdoches High School.

Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962 and was sent to Harlingen Air Force Base. He was stationed around the United States and flew all over the world. Major Stephen served our country for twenty-two years. He flew the 02 in the Vietnam War with a FAC (call sign Covey), worked with special forces, and flew on a few secret missions. He piloted transport planes (C-124, C-141, C-5), navigated the Bombardier (B-52), and was known to fly a helicopter or two. Awards received include the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After being discharged from the Air Force in 1983 and receiving his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University, Bill wrote instructional manuals and investigated crash sites for the FAA. Later he did recurrent training for pilots as a Flight Simulator Instructor for American Airlines until he retired.

Retirement years for Bill meant more time for him to invest in the lives of others. He went on mission trips to Romania and India. He also helped pilots in Central/South America get training so they could provide aid. Bill ministered to children in the public schools through the Good News Clubs for fifteen years. He worked in the bus ministry, served as a trustee, an usher and Sunday School teacher. When he wasn't helping others, Bill enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles. He loved playing with his grandchildren and watching NASCAR.

Bill will be deeply missed by his remaining family; his wife, Jane Stephen; his sons, Tom Babcock and Keith Stephen and wife, Estee Stephen; his daughters, Chrystal Gilkey and husband, Lee Gilkey, Casey Miller and husband, Sean Miller, Courtney Anderson and husband, Michael Anderson; his sister, Bess Ellen Dillon; and seven grandchildren.

Homegoing Celebration was Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Worth Baptist Church, 4900 Campus Dr. in Fort Worth.

Graveside/Military Service was Monday, June 5, 2023, at Price Lone Cedar Cemetery in Joaquin.

For memorial donations, please consider Camp Liberty Youth Camp ℅ Worth Baptist Church 4900 Campus Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76119.