Donald Ray Stephens

Donald Ray Stephens, age 84 of Washington, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Sunset Estates Nursing Home in Purcell. Don was born on September 1, 1939, at home West of Purcell in the Fox Community. He was the 2nd child of four children born to Curtis RB Stephens and Helen Keeler. Don's family moved to the Washington Community in 1943. He attended Washington schools and graduated with the Class of 1958. He married his high school sweetheart Velma Inez Qualls. After dating for three years, they were married on July 11, 1959 in Purcell. Don and Inez soon moved to Caddo, Oklahoma where together they worked on a ranch for the next 8 years, and Don was the ranch foreman. During this time, Don was a full fledge cowboy, calf roper and cattleman. In 1967, he moved back to the Washington community and farmed and ranched with his dad. For 14 ½ years, Don milked cows and farmed until he closed the dairy in 1982. Together, working side by side, Don and Inez continued to farm and ranch for 64 years, raising mama cows and steers. Don was a great man of faith, a faithful Christian and was ordained as a Deacon on October 9, 1977. For over 30 years he was the church song leader at Iron Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. In his later years he attended the Lexington, First Freewill Baptist Church. Don loved being in the outdoors and enjoyed quail hunting and raising bird dogs. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, telling jokes and how he never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by: Parents, R.B. and Helen Stephens, One brother, Curtis Dale Stephens and wife Norma Qualls Stephens. He is survived by: His wife of 64 years, Inez Stephens. One son, Gary Don Stephens and wife Mary of Washington, and one daughter, Donna Kay Reed and husband Richard of Washington. One brother, Brent Stephens of Blanchard, and one sister, Kathie Jones and husband Larry of Tulsa. Aunt and Uncle, Carolyn and Jackie Vaughn of Washington. 5 grandchildren, Kayla Murphy and Mike Newton of Washington, J.R. Auwen and wife Kay of Lexington, Marisa Shea of OKC, Heather and Kyle Kenworthy of Tx, Hali and Bryan Burroughs of Tx. 7 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Also a host of other loving relatives and friends. The family will receive guests and relatives for a visitation from 5-7pm Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com .

Donald Ray Stephens

September 1, 1939 - February 25, 2024