Stephen Emerson Dement Parton

If we told you that Stephen was a smokeshow, most people would think he was incredibly attractive. He was okay, if you like dopey smiles, blue eyes for days, and an epic sense of humor. But what we really mean is that he was the king of smoking cigarettes and brisket.

When he wasn't sharing meat or second hand smoke with the world, he was sharing offensive memes and vulgar language.

That was the sailor in him.

The Navy was a big part of Stephen's life. He enlisted in 2007 and proudly made the rank of Boatswain's Mate First Class before his death. He was proud to serve on the USS Kearsarge, USS Lake Erie, Arizona Memorial, USS Hopper, Admiral's Boat House on Pearl Harbor, USS Chafee, and NCHB1. He was also chosen to serve as a member of the VBSS team for anti-piracy operations on the USS Hopper. Stephen wasn't worldly in the sophisticated sense, but being a sailor meant he had the opportunity to explore ports around the world. We apologize if he offended anyone in the following locations: South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Hawaii.

Stephen took the meaning of "ohana" to heart. What he treasured most in the entire world was his family, friends, and pets. The true loves of his life were his wife Kasie and daughter Isabella. While Stephen fought his battles with mental illness, to include PTSD, he wanted to make sure no one else slipped through the cracks. He was a person you could lean on and was always there to listen. Stephen was a sexual assault victim advocate, avid animal rescuer, and mentor to many junior sailors. He may not have always known where his life was going, but he held a bright light for others when they struggled in the darkness.

Stephen was also a guide to the stars. One thing he couldn't shut up about was showing famous people around the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. President Obama, President Trump, many influential figures, and celebrities from around the world had the privilege of his company. We aren't sure if they enjoyed his, but we sure did.

To sum it all up, Stephen was amazing.

Stephen, we wish you knew how much better the world was with you in it.

In lieu of flowers, please help us honor Stephen by supporting The Head Strong Project.

Stephen is survived by:

Mom: Debora Parton Wilch

Dad: Gregory Wilch

Sister: Dara Parton-Busch and Wife- Cossette "Max" Busch

Brother: Matthew Wilch and Wife Francesca Wilch with son, Vincent and Daughter, Celia

Grandma Joann Bailey

Papa Don Wilch and "Nan" Sylvia Wilch

and preceded in death by, his Uncle Jon, Grandpa Bailey, and Great Grandparents.

Just pretend the names are rolling credits to Stephen's life and the background music is his favorite song, "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" by Pink Floyd.