Jerry Wayne Stephens

Jerry Wayne Stephens, 81, of Santa Fe and Fort Worth, Texas romped into his heavenly home on Saturday, August 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, service, and love. 

Born in Dallas, Texas on December 2, 1943, Jerry served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. When it was first commissioned, he worked aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) on the flight deck for 3 years - 2 with his brother, Bill. Jerry then joined the Military Transport Service (MAT) VR-7 squadron flying troops in and out of Vietnam. He left the Navy but wanted more and became a proud member of the Navy Seabees. His commitment to service continued long after his military career with roles that reflected his strength, leadership, and generous heart. Jerry served as a firefighter with DFW before continuing his firefighting career at the Port Authority of Houston. 

Jerry was a man of many talents and interests. He had a passion for flying and golf. He shared that passion as coach for the Santa Fe High School golf team where his dedication helped one of his students qualify for regionals. Later, he became the truant officer at Santa Fe High School earning the unique distinction of being both feared and adored by students who knew that behind the stern exterior was a heart full of compassion and a great sense of humor. Jerry’s career in public service continued as Police Chief of Bayou Vista, where he served with care and compassion for his community. 

More than his accomplishments, Jerry will be remembered for the way he made people feel. His quick wit and joking nature brought joy to countless lives. He never missed a chance to make someone laugh, and his kitchen was often filled with aromas of his good cooking and the sound of his wise cracks and infectious laughter. He deeply loved his family. Without question, his greatest pleasure was making his cherished wife laugh. With a clever joke, a funny face, or a silly shared story, Jerry found joy in other people’s joy and spent his days filling their life with humor and love. 

He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. While our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing he is now enjoying the presence of his Savior. Jerry lived well, laughed often, and loved deeply and those gifts will live on in all of us. Until we meet again, we will carry his stories, his laughter, and his love in our hearts. 

He is preceded in death by his daughter Wendy Stephens Ledbetter, parents Steve and Dot Stephens and brother Tom Stephens, all from Fort Worth, Texas. 

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Ann Stephens, daughters Carla White and Keisha Hulsey and husband Wayne, granddaughters Sarah White and husband Asbjoern, Holly Hall and Haley Williams and great grandchildren, Colt and Cason Oliver, Cade Ward and Violet Odom. Surviving siblings include Bill and wife Sharon Stephens, sister-in-law Shirley Stephens, Charlie and wife Deb Stephens, Joe Stephens, Annette Spencer, Jeanette and husband Tracy Wycoff all of Fort Worth and many nieces, nephews and other family members. 

A celebration of life for Jerry will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Emken-Linton Funeral Home, 5100 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, in Texas City