BILLY GENE STEPHENS

Billy Gene Stephens of Bullhead City, Arizona (formerly from Tulare, California) died peacefully in Bullhead City on August 5, 2015. He was born in Aldrich, Missouri on August 31, 1929 to Verle and Myrtle Stephens. His family moved to California in the early 1930s.

Billy is survived by his beloved partner of eight years, Irma Steltzer; their two little dogs, Buffie and Chico; a son, Tom Gilstrap from Yakima, Washington; and a daughter, Sunday Pearson from Northern California. Additionally Billy is survived by two brothers; Allen and Russell Stephens and his sister Sandy Mendes; plus many nieces, nephews and grand- children.

He is preceded in death by two sons, Brian and Chesley Stephens; and a daughter Amber Bindon-Stephens.

Billy was a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army retiring at the rank of Command Sergeant Major. During his years of service, his overseas assignments included tours in Germany, Korea and Vietnam. Stateside assignments include Fort Lewis and Fort Lawton, Washington; Camp Roberts, Fort Ord and The Presidio of San Francisco, California, and Fort Bliss, Fort Hood and Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Stephens' last assignment was as CSM of the U.S. Army Health Services Command from October 1974 to March 1975.

So, to the man who fought the good fight when others feared and who answered duties call where others failed, may you rest in peace and may God bless your heroic soul.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m at Tulare District Cemetery in Tulare, California.

Arrangements are under the direction of Desert Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Mohave Valley, Arizona.