What is your first memory of George? Share a favorite memory you have of George. Tell us about a special moment you shared with George. Describe a time when George made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about George? Talk about a shared experience you had with George. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of George. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving George. What is something you learned from George?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

George Edward Stephens

Obituary

Guest Book

About

Arizona State University

George Stephens Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 22, 2025.

George Edward Stephens, 97, of Scottsdale, AZ, peacefully passed away on June 18, 2025. He was born March 20th, 1928, to Percy and Alice Stephens of Kingman, AZ.

In 1956, George met his beautiful wife, Josephine, in Albuquerque, NM. They raised five amazing children: Tina (Robert-aka "Smitty" Smith), Tim (Yvonne) Stephens, Melanie (Joe Drazkowski), Matt (Donna) Stephens, and Brian Stephens (Angela Mack).

George loved serving in the U.S. military. After attending St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, AZ, he joined the Navy and deployed to China. He subsequently graduated from Arizona State University. He later enlisted in the US Air Force and served in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Yakota AFB in Japan, and Vandenberg AFB in California. He retired from the USAF in 1967 and then worked for the federal government. He ended his military career with the Arizona Army National Guard.

George loved football-especially the ASU Sun Devils-but pretty much everything football. He spent most of his retirement watching sports on TV while enjoying Josephine's cooking!

George was predeceased by his wife in 2011. He is survived by his younger brother, Bill (Rene) Stephens, by all of his five children, eight grandchildren: Natalie, Casey (Angie), Christina (Anthony), Kyle, Carli, Andrew, Elizabeth (Cody), Brianna, and by three great grandchildren (Ava, Shawn, and Brian) and one great-grandchild (Danielle).

George's family thanks all of his caregivers during his final years: Mina, Ani, Lavaya, and Stana and Pete. Hospice of the Valley nurses Maurene and Amanda and Marie were stellar in every way and Dad loved Chaplain Paul who visited regularly.

Visitation will be held June 27, 2025, at Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 9:00-10:30 AM. George will be reunited with Josephine on 7/14/2025 at 9:30 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley: HOV.org.

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign George Stephens's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Nina Watson

June 26, 2025

I love your mom´s, "Everyday is a gift". Your dad had so many gifted good days. My best friend, Melanie, always came to visit him and pray with him in her own selfless way even when he barely knew she was there. I will always remember him as "Mr Stephens" and I so enjoyed spending the night at Mel´s with her brothers and parents. I´m sorry for your loss and pray he will find peace together again with "Jo".