Stephen J Millspaugh

Stephen James “Steve” Millspaugh, age 81, of Weatherford, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on March 18, 2026, in Weatherford. Born on October 3, 1944, in Oklahoma City to John and Boothe (Charlton) Millspaugh, Stephen’s journey was one marked by unwavering dedication and heartfelt service.

A graduate of Clinton High School’s class of 1962, Stephen’s pursuit of knowledge led him to American University, where he earned a degree in Political Science, and further to George Washington University’s law school. His early career blossomed in the halls of governance as a Capitol Cop for Senator Almer Stillwell “Mike” Monroney, setting the foundation for a life committed to public service.

Stephen’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when, a few years after the birth of his daughter Leslie, he opened the very first Toys R Us store in Texas in 1973 (Houston). His versatile career spanned roles at Garden Ridge Pottery, Pier One Imports, and International Food Service. Beyond business, Stephen loved to travel, especially to National Parks. He was an avid OU Sooners fan and never missed a game. In later years, he embraced ranching and became a successful investor in oil and gas, living a life filled with adventure and grounded by an extraordinary gift for numbers—a talent his wife, Rose, fondly described as that of a “mathematical genius.”

A pillar of his community, Stephen devoted himself as a Rotarian with the Weatherford Rotary Club and served Custer County faithfully for two decades as its Republican Representative. His political engagement extended through roles as a committee man and delegate to two Republican national conventions, illustrating a steadfast commitment to the causes he believes in.

In love and partnership, Stephen married Rose (Tye) Lambert in 1993 in Onalaska, Texas. Together, they shaped a marriage grounded in laughter, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Stephen is lovingly remembered by his wife, Rose Millspaugh; daughter, Leslie Millspaugh and her significant other Billy Joe Lowe, of Cambridge, Maryland; stepsons, James L. Forke, and spouse, Michael Eustis of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Paul Lambert and wife Natalie of Livingston, Texas; sister, Dr. Johnna Roberts and husband Greg Atkinson, of Omaha, Nebraska; beloved granddaughter, Amanda Sutphin of Maryland; great-grandchildren, Eric, Alise and Brycen Green, of Maryland and Blane Lambert, of Livingston, Texas; niece, Ashley Montgomery and husband, Justin of Shawnee, Kansas, along with great-niece Harper Montgomery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Boothe Millspaugh.

Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Saturday, March 21, 2026, and from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sunday, March 22, 2026, with family greeting friends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, at Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home in Clinton, Oklahoma, 2500 W. Modelle Ave, Clinton, OK.

A celebration of Stephen’s life will begin at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 23, 2026, in the Randy Kiesau Memorial Chapel, located in Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home, with interment following in Clinton Cemetery.

The family would also like to offer their deepest thanks to Dr. Badgett, the team at Corn Heritage Village in Weatherford, and Vital Caring Hospice for the extraordinary care they gave Stephen.

Stephen James Millspaugh’s legacy is one of intellectual brilliance, unwavering community dedication, and heartfelt devotion to family—a life richly lived and fondly remembered.

In remembrance of Stephen, the family invites donations to https://cureIBM.org, an organization dedicated to a muscle disease for which no cause or cure has yet been found.