Victor H. Stephens

Victor H. Stephens, 78, of Baytown, passed away suddenly in a local hospital on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. He was born March 13, 1931, in El Dorado, Kansas, one of three children born to Leo Stephens and Eva V. (Van Hoorebeke) Stephens.

On September 22, 1950, Vic married Mary Jo Dannenfelser in El Dorado. Vic and Jo moved to Baytown in 1970. They are charter parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and active members of the St. John Keenagers. Vic proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for over 40 years in the railroad industry. Besides his loving family, he enjoyed woodworking, model airplanes, railroading, and camping. Vic was an active member in the Knights of Columbus Council #7206.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Edward Stephens and sister, Virginia Wallace; he is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Jo Stephens; five sons, Mark Stephens and wife, Karen, of Baytown, Gregg Stephens and wife, Janet, of Beaumont, Rex Stephens and wife, Wendy, of Horse Shoe, North Carolina, Brad Stephens and wife, Patty, of Mont Belvieu, and Brian Stephens, of Houston; nine grandchildren, Glen, Keith, Heather (Martin), Jennifer, Jessica, Brandon, Matthew, Ashley and Colt; three great grandchildren, Grant, Lilly and Julie. Vic was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and treasured friend to many who will miss his presence in their lives.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 29, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home.

A vigil will be held at 5:30 p.m., with Deacon John Singer officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., on Friday, October 30, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 800 West Baker Rd., with Reverend Terence P. Brinkman, S.T.D. as celebrant. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Glen Stephens, Keith Stephens, Brandon Stephens, Matthew Stephens, Brian Martin and Peter Hayes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or your favorite charity.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crespo & Jirrels Funeral and Cremation Services, 6123 Garth Rd., Baytown 77521, 281.839.0700. To view the obituary or post a tribute to the family, visit www.crespoandjirrels.com