Richard was born in Freeport Texas on October 15, 1968 to Janice L Stephens and Claud Dean Stephens Jr. He was a whopping 10lb 8oz and 22 inches long!
On January 2, 1971 he became the big brother to his sister, Karen Diane Stephens.
He was a great big brother!

When he grew up he joined the Navy, stationed on the USS Midway out of Japan. 

Our heartbreak came when he passed away on February 7, 1990. He was 21 years old. He has been gone now 23 years and it does not seem possible that he has been gone longer than he was alive. It does not seem possible for a parent to lose a child and continue to live after this devastating event. The ripple effect of his death was felt by everyone who knew him, he was loved by many. He had a since of humor that was great, he loved to pull pranks on people, all those freckles and wild hair, loved it all. He was born with a special freckle on his nose in the shape of a heart, we always said he was kissed by an angel. 


There is so much I could write about, however not at this time. There is still pain in losing my 1st born and my only son.

If you think of him, please say a prayer for him. He has his grandparents with him and I know he is in good hands until I can be there with him. I still believe he comes to visit every now and again.

I love you Rich, then, now and forever!!   Mom