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William Stephens Obituary
Toby was born in The French Camp hospital to Ellis and Irene Stephens. He attended local schools and graduated from Stockton College high school and Stockton Junior College. After serving 3 years in the US Army, he joined the Stockton Fire Department in 1968 and retired in 1995 with the rank of Captain. He loved his job and enjoyed taking trips with the guys to Lake Tahoe skiing and Abalone trips to Fort Brag. He also enjoyed golf trips to Reno and going to Mexico beach resorts with the Van Buskirk golf group. In his retirement he enjoyed playing golf with the Swenson Park golf skins game and playing poker tournaments at the Lodi casino.
His brother, John Stephens and his companion of 27 years, Shirley Dean, precede him in his death. He is survived by his sons, Jerome and Brian (Diana), brother, James Stephens (Ethel).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Stephens
Mary Fuqua
April 19, 2021
William was a very nice man our condolences to the family. Dr Fidel And Staff
Rachel Hall
November 18, 2020
My Father worked with him on the Stockton Fire Department. I remember him and give my condolences to the family and SFD.
God Bless. RIP
George and Helen Markham
November 15, 2020
Sorry to hear of Toby's passing. Condolences to Brian,Diana and the boys.
Regina
November 15, 2020
Goodbye dear Toby. I miss the golf group dinners and watching you and Shirley dance. Miss your sense of humor, too.
ron phillips
November 14, 2020
a neat guy and a friend to everyone. was an easy going guy to work with. ron phillips retired sfd. operator
John Bartlett
November 14, 2020
Toby was my Brother in law and friend. He was a good man. Great smile and personality!
My sincere condolences to my nephews Brian and Jerome Stephens!
John Bartlett
The Chastain Family
November 14, 2020
Brian, Diana, Shelby, Cy, Jace, and Bryce,
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
SHONEE & LARRY MENDES
November 13, 2020
Toby was one of my favorite people in the world. We were good friends and sort of family. His long time partner was my sister in law Shirley, so he was kind if my brother as well as my friend. We spent many a night at the Stockton Parents Without Partners Dances. He always made me laugh. I adored watching He and Shirley dance. Perfect Partners! If I had enough to drink I would attempt to dance with him, he was a strong lead and a much better dancer than me. I always felt accomplished when I was able to follow him. We would make trips to Reno. He'd be in a poker tournament. We would keep checking on him. He usually won. And then he loved to take us to a beautiful dinner with his winnings. He was always with us at family events. I loved his stories, he had some whoppers. He was such a fine man. So good to Shirley. A hero. My heart aches for him. I am so sad for his families loss and the grief they are dealing with. He always spoke so proudly of them. But I am glad he is with his Shirley now. I am especially grateful to Debbie for caring for him so kindly. He loved her and she made his life so much better. Larry says those are his sentiments too...except for the dancing
Debbie Petrosky
November 13, 2020
Toby was a wonderful man and friend. He will be truly be missed
Dean Poullos
November 13, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family. Toby was a great person, fellow golfer, an excellent Firefighter and one of my best friends. God Bless The family.
Vernon Steman
November 12, 2020
TOBY HAD A MAGICAL WAY WITH HIS VOICE TONE WHEN HE TALKED TO YOU THAT JUST MADE YOU FEEL SPECIAL!!! I CAN'T PUT IT INTO WORDS THE EFFECT HE HAD ON YOU!!! WELL MAYBE ONE WORD MAGICAL!!! HE PUT HIS HEART AND SOUL INTO BEING A FIREFIGHTER!! HE WAS A BROTHER FIREFIGHTER LIKE NO OTHER!! REST IN PEACE BROTHER FIREFIGHTER SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!!
George Wells
November 12, 2020
Toby was a good friend and golf playing partner. God Bless
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