Joe Earl Stephens

It is with both sadness and joy to announce the passing of Joe Earl Stephens of Robert Lee, Texas on February 21, 2026, at the Robert Lee Care Center, after a long battle with COPD. He went peacefully to his Lord with family preset.

Joe was born June 23, 1938, in Comanche County, Texas to GC and Velma Stephens. A fifth generation Texas, he was one of 9 children.

As a young man he traveled with family to many areas of West Texas oil fields. He met Joyce Bagwell in Robert Lee and were married September 1, 1956, spending their honeymoon in Colorado, enjoying the mountains.

After living in Midland for a few years, where their oldest son Mike was born, they moved to Colorado, where his youngest son Phillip was born, and remained there until 1974, when they moved back to Texas. While in Colorado he worked in the banking and finance industry, he volunteered as a coach for youth teams and the Cub and Boy Scouts and spent a lot of his time off fishing and hunting in the mountains he loved.

After moving back to Texas, he worked in similar industries as before but then became a Realtor in the San Angelo area. Being someone who always seemed ready with a firm handshake and a quick smile, he enjoyed working with people in helping them buy or sell property.

Joe had accepted the Lord at a younger age and loved coming to his Church Home, Northside Church of Christ, with Joyce. Even as his illness progressed, he gave the closing prayer asking God to bless the country, our men and women in uniform, police and fire personnel, and that God Bless Texas.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Willard and sister Vella. The remainder of his immediate family includes wife Joyce. Brothers Doyle, Lane, and Darrell. Sisters Linda, Jan, and Donna. His sons, Mike (wife Kim) and Phil (wife Calista). His grandsons Tim (wife Tara) and Courtney (wife Randa), granddaughters Samantha and Savanah, great grandsons Jacob and Kolten, and the newest addition great granddaughter Ivy. And many, many, friends, especially PJ Mitchell.

Joe requested to be cremated. Internment will be on June 20, 2026, 10:00 Am, at the Robert Lee Cemetery. There will be a celebration, later that evening at The Ranch from 5:30PM to 10:00PM, with family and friends.

Before he left this life he wanted to express how much he thought of his family and friends. And most of all how much he loves the Lord! He left a note with the following: "The love and memories of the people you meet, and lose to death in this world, will comfort you until you join them in the hereafter."

Rest in peace Joe!