Major Ralph Stevener USAF (Ret.)

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Major Ralph Arnold Stevener, USAF (Ret.), 79, of College Station, Texas, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife of 39 years, Judy Stevener, and his daughters.

Ralph was born to Arnold and Jewel Stevener on July 18, 1946, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bryan, Texas. He grew up on his family ranch in Tabor, where he developed the strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life. He attended Kurten Elementary School, Anson Jones Junior High, and Stephen F. Austin High School, where he excelled both academically and as an active member of the National Honor Society and the local FFA chapter, serving as both secretary and president.

After high school, Ralph completed a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering degree as a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 1968. While at A&M, he proudly served in the Corps of Cadets, the Ross Volunteers, and was a member of both the Alpha Zeta and National Honor Societies. Within the Corps, Ralph distinguished himself as Unit First Sergeant and Company Commander.

Following his graduation, Ralph entered the U.S. Air Force through ROTC. During his flying career, he achieved the rank of Major and the position of Chief Command Staff Pilot. He served his country with honor for four years on active duty, including flying C-141 Starlifter transport planes in the Vietnam War. After the war ended, he continued his service for an additional 16 years in the Air Force Reserve.

During his time with the Air Force Reserve, Ralph worked for the Natural Resource Conservation Service as a registered Professional Civil Engineer for the State of Texas until retiring at the age of 55. He continued consulting as a civil engineer with his company, S&S Engineering Corporation. Throughout his life, Ralph felt a strong responsibility to care for the land and the legacy of cattle ranching he was born into, and he remained a diligent steward while working full-time. Upon retirement, Ralph transitioned to full-time ranching, where he found great joy in raising cattle, caring for the land he loved, and sharing his legacy with his family.

A man of faith and service, Ralph was an active member of Alexander United Methodist Church. He began playing piano for the church at the age of eight and continued intermittently for the next 65 years. Ralph volunteered his time as president of the Alexander Cemetery Association, helping to survey and map burial plots, as well as serving in other administrative roles for Alexander UMC.

He was an endowed member of the Cedar Creek AM & FM Masonic Lodge #300 and a proud member of the American Legion Post #159.

Later in life, he and his wife Judy moved from the Ranch to College Station, where they began faithfully attending Christ Church. He was proud to be a member of the Sunday School "Friends with Christ" group, where he formed several friendships.

Ralph found joy in life's simple pleasures-spending quality time with his family, hunting, fishing, vegetable and fruit gardening, cheering on Aggie sports, playing 42 dominoes, dancing with his love, caring for his cattle, and sharing music from the piano.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Jewel Stevener, and his grandson, Lucas Richardson. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Stevener of College Station; five daughters, Heather (Michael) Morgan of Belton, TX, Adrienne (Marshall) Richardson of Nashville, TN, Ashley (Bradley) Richardson of Culleoka, TN, Kristyn (Steven) Lester of Oklahoma City, OK, and Michele (Rick) Moore of Houston, TX; and numerous grandchildren-Trever, Devin, Mikaila, Rhys, Alyssa, Milo, Amelia, Jacob, Benjamin, and Emerson-all of whom he was deeply proud of. He is further survived by former stepchildren Angie and David; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers include Michael Morgan, Marshall Richardson, Bradley Richardson, Steven Lester, Sam Baron, and Allan Baron.

Honorary pallbearers are Rick Moore, Larry West, and Gerald Stevener.

Ralph will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to family, his strong faith, and his lifelong commitment to helping others. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set.

A Celebration of Life for Ralph will be held at Christ Church in College Station, Texas, on November 10, 2025, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m., where family and friends will gather to honor and remember his remarkable life of faith, service, and love. The interment will occur at Alexander Cemetery in Tabor, TX, immediately following the Celebration of Life.

Christ Church: 4201 Texas 6 Frontage Rd., College Station, TX 77845

Directions to Alexander Cemetery: 5300 Alexander Cemetery Rd., Bryan, TX 77808

From the intersection of SH 6 and FM 974 in North Bryan, take FM 974 north approximately 5.3 miles to Alexander Road. Then go northwest on Alexander Road approximately 0.9 mile to Alexander Cemetery Road, and continue on Cemetery Road approximately 0.1 mile to the cemetery.