Verlin Dwayne Stephens

VERLIN DWAYNE “ARGO” STEPHENS

Dwayne Stephens entered the glorious gates of Heaven on December 22, 2020, after a six-week hospital stay.  He was born April 21, 1943, in Whitt, Texas, to Verlin Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Davis) Stephens.  His family moved frequently with his Dad’s job, but he moved on this own to Dallas at the age of sixteen, where he met his love, Bernadette “Bernie” Kowalski.  Although, initially, she wasn’t quite as smitten as he, they finally dated and, ultimately. married on December 31, 1961.  After several moves and 3 children, the family finally made Mesquite, Texas their home, and became parishioners at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Dallas.  During his son’s years at St. Pius X School, Dwayne spent several years as Athletic Director and coaching the SPX Tigers football team. 

As an only child, Argo stepped into a very special family, both immediate and extended, when he married Bernie…he loved them and they loved him!!  He was a loving devoted husband and father,

Dwayne made his living, primarily, in sales, working many years in the music industry, then later in the transportation industry.  Between these two, he worked in an oil field, owned a Green Light store in The Colony, Texas, and drove a truck.  Most of these jobs kept him on the road and he could guide anyone through most southern states by mile markers and landmarks.  Argo was a lifelong auto racing fan, and even had a stint driving sprint cars as a young adult.  In every part of his life, Argo made friends that would remain until his last days!! Argo’s work ethic, honesty, and integrity were unparalleled.  He was a wonderful mentor of life to so many people.  If you were ever broken down on the side of the road, Argo is the person that would be the first to help you out.  Remember, those mile markers mentioned earlier?  They sure came in handy at these times!!  Argo loved to learn and had quite the mathematical and automotive mind, and was a self-taught computer whiz!  His could rival ANYONE’S Excel spreadsheets!!!

After Bernie died from ovarian cancer in July, 2009, he ultimately dated and married family friend Georgia Darleyne Akin on November 26, 2010.  He was a wonderful stepfather to her seven children, and had a very special relationship with her (their) great grandson, Karsen Akin.  Argo worked right up until he had a major heart attack in April, 2017, at which time his health began a steady decline.  Darleyne was such a blessing to Argo!  Not only did she love him, but she was so devoted to helping him and taking care of him when he became much less mobile.

Waiting to greet him as he entered Heaven was his beautiful wife, Bernie Stephens; his parents, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Brenda Kowalski; brother-in-law, Alton Wayne Moon; and nephew, Nolan Kowalski, among so many others.  He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Darleyne ; his children: daughter & son-in-law, Rhonda & Barry Walker; son, Ronnie Stephens; daughter & son-in-law, Raquel & Greg Banno; grandchildren: Jessica (Walker) & Bill Witty, Jared & Monica Walker & Tori {Banno} & Jordan Padon, Trey & Shaye Jenkins, Dylan Stephens, and Brianna Stephens; great grandchildren: Jake Walker Witty, Leah Mae Witty, Braleigh Rae Walker,  Paisyn Ella Padon, Vada Ryan Jenkins, Tristan Cash Stephens, and Adeline Grace Stephens; sisters-in-law:  Pat Moon and Elizabeth Kowalski; seven stepchildren,  numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, and a lifetime of friends.

We would like to thank the medical staff at Baylor Scott and White Sunnyvale, for loving caring for Dad all numerous times over the last 3+ years. But a VERY special and heartfelt thank you to Drs. Prasad Maddukuri (cardiologist) and Archana Rao (nephrologist) for saving his life in 2017, and giving us these extra years with him.

ARRANGEMENTS:

New Hope Funeral Home

Saturday, December 26,^, 2020

VISITATION: 1:00 pm

SERVICE: 2:00 pm. 

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, American Kidney Foundation, American Lung Association or any charity of your choice.