Bobby "Bob" Stephenson

Lt Col (USAF, Ret) Bobby C. Stephenson passed away on June 29th at Ft Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville, TN.  Bob has called O'Fallon, IL his home for the 35 years since his retirement from Scott Air Force Base, although he called Newport his lifelong home. He loved his extended family of cousins and visited every chance he got.

Bob graduated from Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Afterwards he was sent to Luke Air Force Base, AZ, in preparation for his tour in Viet Nam.  

Bob had a 12 month remote tour at Pleiku Air Base, Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive of 1968. His second remote tour was also 12 months, this time in Iran from 1974 to 1975. 

Bob's other tours include March AFB, CA, Langley AFB, VA, (2), Richards-Gebaur AFB, in Kansas City, MO, Scott AFB, IL (2), and Elmendorf AFB, AK.  It was during his last tour at Scott AFB, he met his lovely wife Sue Lewis Stephenson, with whom he shared 43 happy years of marriage.  

Throughout his career he had a variety of jobs and was awarded the following awards and medals: 

Bronze Star Medal

Meritorious Service Medal w/4 Oak Leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster

Outstanding Unit Award w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster

National Defense Service Medal

VietNam Service Medal w/4 Service Stars

Air Force Short tour Ribbon w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters

Air Force Long tour Ribbon with/1 Leaf cluster 

Air Force Longevity Award w/5 Oak Leaf Clusters

Republic of VietNam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Republic of VietNam Campaign Medal 

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Orville Stephenson and Winona Blazer Stephenson, and a son Mike Hardy. Those left to cherish their memories are his two daughters, Nina Thies and Crystal Hartman; three sons Robert Stephenson, Jonathan Stephenson, and Timothy Stephenson; 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and special cousin Betty McMillan.

Bob was an exceptionally dedicated Air Force Officer, a devout Christian, caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved fishing with his sons and grandchildren, and he adored his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. 

A Graveside Interment Service will be held on Wednesday July 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM with military honors.

Family and friends may sign the online register and post condolences at www.resthavenmemorialgardens.com

Services provided by Resthaven Funeral Home | Cemetery | Cremations

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