Lieutenant Colonel Joel Stephenson

1940 - 2017

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Stephenson

1940 - 2017

Joel Stephenson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away in his sleep at Eisenhower Memorial Hospital surrounded by family on April 17, of complications from leukemia. A brave soldier and hero to his country and family, he was awarded two Bronze Stars for heroic service, The Purple Heart for being wounded in action and The Silver Star for gallantry in action while in Vietnam with the US Army. Among numerous achievements, he received a Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska and was assigned as Associate Professor of Military Science to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After 23 years of military service he retired to Santa Barbara working in commercial real estate. He was very active in the First Presbyterian Church, participating in Volunteers for Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Transition House, and the Fish Ministry. After moving to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, he worked in residential real estate. Eight years ago he and his wife retired to Rancho Mirage. Sadly missed, he leaves his wife of 40 years, Kathy, daughter Karmin Andrew, her husband Col. Dr. Rod Andrew, son Todd Stephenson, his wife Lori, and Kathy's children: sons Rick and Scott Altizer and their wives: Jan and Jami, daughter Gina Neal and her husband Jim and seven grandchildren: Jessica, Lydia, Marina, Kelsey, David and wife Laura, Matthew, Annie and Hannah: two sisters Judy Eglelston and Jennifer Estes and their children and grandchildren and his brother-in-law, Bobby Jaber. Joel and Kathy most especially enjoyed playing bridge with senior friends in Indio and Rancho Mirage. The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Gloria Engel for her incredible care for Joel and Dr. Henry Tsai, both with Eisenhower Medical Center as well as the nurses and nurses' aides from the cancer care section of the Third Floor East of the hospital. Their love and concern is much appreciated. A Memorial Service will be held for Joel at the Community Presbyterian Church, 47-321 Highway 74, Palm Desert, May 8 at 1:00 PM, Pastors Denn Denning and Doug Gerard presiding. May God rest Joel's soul until we meet again.

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