Sam J. Stephens

Samuel Jefferson Stephens, 98, passed away April 15, 2024. He entered this world on September 11, 1925. He was born in the family farmhouse in Redding, Iowa. Born during a time when simplicity and resilience were paramount, his parents paid the doctor who delivered him with five chickens. A humble beginning that would shape his appreciation for life's simple joys. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lela (June) Stephens, all three of his siblings and their spouses; Julia, Beverly, and David, his wife of 55 years Dorothy, grandchildren Sammy Hughs, Stacy (Hughs) Leeper, grandson in law Jake Leeper, great granddaughters Tara Leeper and Pearl Sturtevant. Sam was drafted into the United States Army and served in World War II. After returning from war, he initially planned to resume his work on the family farm, but in his heart and mind he was certain he didn't want to remain doing that for long. He had witnessed his father's tears countless times as adverse weather ravaged their crops. On their way to California in 1950 their car broke down and they were unexpectedly halted in Pueblo, Colorado. He accepted, what was to him, a temporary opportunity at the steel mill and ultimately retired from their sister company, Pueblo Metals, as a supervisor for over three decades. Sam relished the great outdoors, finding joy in camping, fishing and hunting. He was an avid Denver Broncos and Pueblo Thunderwolves fan. For the past decade he secured season tickets to the Pueblo Thunderwolves games. This was a tradition he shared with his son Eddie and his devoted wife Donna. Above all Sam treasured the moments with loved ones, delighting in their happiness and the simple pleasures of life. 

Left behind are those who are now tasked with the journey of healing and attempting to mend this vast void; Lela (Marion) Hughs, Eddie (Donna) Stephens, Kathy (Tony) Arguello, Karen (Shaun) Martin. Grandchildren Brad Hughs, Sharmin (Jerry) Axtell, Brian (Cassie) Stephens, Greg (Jessica) Stephens, Kris Stephens, Natalie Zamora, Becky (Travis) Jenkins, Abby (Vern) Larson, Shaynee (Wyatt) Renzelman, Jeffrey (Carly) Agnes, Shannon (Chad) Sturtevant, as well as his cherished friend Adria Cradduck and her family. He also leaves behind 25 great grandchildren and 12 great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and some of the best friends and neighbors anyone could ever hope for. 

The viewing will be Monday, April 22nd at 9:30am with the service following at 10a. First Church of God. 528 W. Abriendo.   Interment with Military Honors provided by the Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team will follow in the Imperial Memorial Gardens in Pueblo.   In lieu of flowers we kindly request donations to your favorite charity in Sam's name. 

Online condolences at DavisMortuary.com