Stephenson, Paul A. 1924-2008

STEPHENSON, WHITE

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 16:36:35

Paul Arthur Stephenson of Knoxville was born on June 1, 1924, 6 miles north of Knoxville in the town of Red Rock which is now under water. He was one of six children born to Stella Luella White and Henry S. Stephenson.

Paul was drafted into the US Army while in high school. He served in Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe, Ardennes and the Rhineland. After service Paul was employed as a psychological nursing assistant at the V.A. Medical Center in Knoxville for 34 years; retiring in 1979. He also worked 28 years, full time at Sinnard’s Phillips 66 delivering fuel. Paul often came home at midnight after his shift at the VA and worked on his car, changed oil, greased it or washed and waxed it. During the time when Paul was alone in the early 70’s, he learned to cook for himself, scrub and wax floors, and do laundry. He continued washing his clothes and ironing his shirts as needed the remainder of his life. Paul was a member of the Baty-Tucker American Legion Post #168.

At one point in the 70’s, Paul wanted to learn to fish with a rod and reel. Alfretta baited his hook and added a big sinker. She told Paul to wind up and throw hard. He did. After waiting and waiting and watching the river, it landed on the dock 3 feet behind him.

Paul enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the river so they could fish and stay over night. They all had fun being together. At family gatherings Paul would sit back and just listen. When asked why he wasn’t talking he replied, “I can learn more by listening than I can by talking.” Later in life Paul liked to watch TV especially old Westerns. He also listened to Bill Gaither gospel music. Paul was hard working, gentle, kind hearted, and a good listener. He was never in a hurry and always had time for others.

Paul accepted the Lord as his personal Savior in 2004 before having open heart surgery.

Paul Arthur Stephenson passed away on November 25, 2008 at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 24 days. His death was due to the many surgeries and consecutive infections during the last year.

Proceeding him in death were his parents; first wife, Ruby; sister, Wilma; brothers, Billy and Glen; and granddaughter, Lisa DeJoode.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife of 33 years, Alfretta of Knoxville; 1 daughter, Kathy Ewing of Sigourney; 1 son, Richard Stephenson of Knoxville; 1 step-son, Edward L. Poole and his wife Donna of Lake Charles, Louisiana; 4 grandchildren, Mark DeJoode of Sigourney, Melissa Klett and her husband, Donnie of Sigourney, Joel DeJoode and his wife, Tasi of Oskaloosa and Tony Stephenson and his wife, Shana of Kansas; 4 great-grandchildren, Curtis and Johnathon Klett and Joshua and Justin DeJoode; 1 sister, Ruth McDonald of Knoxville; and 1 brother, LeRoy Stephenson and his wife, Shirley of Florida. Paul will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 1, 2008 at Williams Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis St. Lawrence officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery. Casket bearers were Joel and Josh DeJoode, Caelen, Richard and Tony Jackson, and Richard Stephenson. Honorary casket bearers were Wesley Loomis and Henry Vander Heiden. Musical selections were “He Touched Me” and “The Old Rugged Cross”; CDs by Don Marsh Chorus and Orchestra.

Williams Funeral Home Dec. 2, 2008