David Joshua Wade Stephens

1982 - 2024

David Joshua Wade Stephens
March 13, 1982 - July 3, 2024
David Joshua Wade Stephens, deeply beloved son of Craig Thomas and Kelly Jo Stephens, passed away this past July 3rd, 2024. He was 42 years old. David was born in Long Beach, California on March 13, 1982, and became the second son of Craig and Kelly, and younger brother to Craig Thomas Ryan Stephens. Less than two years later, David was joined by another brother, Randall Lewis Wayne Stephens, and six years later by his sister, Tresa Jane Michelle Stephens. He is greatly missed by all three of his siblings, and his entire family. David traveled throughout his life, first with his family as a U.S. Navy child; moving to San Diego, California, then Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mayport, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia, and London, England. He made life long friends wherever he went. David graduated from John Marshall High School in 2000, and went on to study Physics both at the University of Texas San Antonio and Austin. He joined the U.S. Navy in 2006, and completed the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Training Program, one of the toughest schools in the country, graduating ET3 with honors. David was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise during his tenure with the Navy; before leaving being promoted to ET1. After six years, David returned to civilian life and became a student again at the University of Texas San Antonio where he received a bachelor degree in Psychology. During this time, David road tripped all over the southern and northwestern states with family members and friends. He went as far west as California's beaches and Sequoia National Park; as far north as Seattle, Washington and Butte, Montana, as far south as New Orleans and Panama City. He entered the World Series of Poker in 2013 and played so well he came in 45th out of over 6,000 players. He hiked the Appalachian Trail and became known to fellow hikers as Bender. He traveled to Ireland with his family and fell in love with the country.
In 2013 David moved to Washington D.C. and attended George Washington University where he completed a Master's in Business. For a short period David returned to his love for the water and lived on a boat docked in Virginia; an adventure he really enjoyed. He returned to Texas to join his father and mother in their vineyard endeavors and then joined his father's company Alamo City Engineering Services as a Vice President of Business Development.
David went to Costa Rica with his parents, to Castroville, Texas in 2015 for his brother's wedding, to New York City in 2023 for his sister's wedding, and also to Sevilla, Spain for Thanksgiving with all of his family just this past year.
David was a champion backgammon player, a sometimes professional poker player, a collector of baseball cards, an avid fan of movies - often quoting from them, good with his hands (as evidenced by his card tricks, his cooking skills, and his artwork), a wonderful karaoke singer, a lover of the outdoors, and a genuine genius. David's heart, it was so often mentioned by his parents, was the biggest they have ever known. And it is very evident, as he is deeply missed by so many friends and fellow shipmates; there has been an outpouring of love and support for his family, and expressions of deep sadness from so many people. David is also missed by his beloved dogs, Dax and Kodiak; always faithful to the pack, they remained by his side.
David was preceded by his great grandparents, Henry Robison (whose birthday he shared) and Emma Robison. He spent many Christmas and Easter holidays with them in Alabama. He is also preceded by his grandmother Stephanie Stephens, his grandfather Wade Stephens, and his grandfather Lewis Dickens. He is survived by his grandmother Jane Ham, and many uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. He is also survived by his parents, Craig and Kelly, his siblings, Ryan, Randall and TJ, his adopted brother Barrett, his sisters-in-law Randa and Lauren Stephens, his brother-in-law Kristifor Sunderic, and his niece Sloane Stephens and nephew Henry Stephens; those who will always carry him in their hearts. Fair winds and following seas our beloved and beautiful son and brother.