Thomas Howard Stephan

Early in the morning of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Thomas H. Stephan, aged 91, left us to be with the Lord. He was born to Howard and Virginia Stephan on October 4, 1933 in Marietta, Ohio. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. The oldest of four children, Tom was on the the cross country team during high school. He worked at a local bowling alley as a pinsetter. He graduated from Marietta High School in 1951. Tom made the decision to give his life to Jesus Christ in 1968 at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Hopewell, Virginia. While stationed in El Paso, he was a faithful member of Sun Valley Baptist Temple. At the time of his death, he was a faithful member of Kelview Heights Baptist Church in Midland, Texas. He taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and was affectionately known as "Grandpa" to the preschoolers at Kelview. While in Turkey he preached when the chaplain needed him to fill the pulpit and also on Armed Forces radio. Tom lived a life of service for the Lord, his family and his country. On June 12, 1953 he married the love of his life, Loretta Marie Ritchie, at the Church of the Nazarene in Marietta, Ohio. Loretta served alongside Tom as a military wife and mother. Tom and Loretta were blessed with four children: Vicki Lynn was born June 9, 1955 in New Jersey at Fort Dix. Sherri Marie was born December 27, 1958 in Japan at Camp Zampa. Tammie Lee was born October 30, 1960 in Virginia at Fort Monroe. Thomas Howard Jr. was born October 18, 1962 in Marietta, Ohio while Tom was overseas in Korea. Tom served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1976. His tours included: Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam (twice) and Turkey. After he returned from Turkey in the fall of 1976, he retired from the US Army at Fort Bliss, Texas. During his years of serving his country honorably, he received the following commendations: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RNV Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross, Army Commendation Medal. From June 1968 to May 1969, he actively participated in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory. After retiring from military life, Tom worked as an auditor for Southland Corporation until retirement. Tom greatly enjoyed time with his family. He enjoyed working outside and was good at woodworking and fixing almost anything. Tom enjoyed sports especially football. He enjoyed playing games with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed but his family is rejoicing that he is in heaven with his Savior and we will see him again! Tom is survived by his loving wife Loretta of 72 years of Midland, Texas; his daughter Vicki Millstead and her husband Tom of Midland, Texas; his daughter Sherri Meadows and her husband Bill of Stoutsville, Ohio; his daughter Tammie Hughes of Midland, Texas; his son Thomas Stephan and wife Jan of Midland, Texas; his sister Karen Jameson of Parkersburg, West Virginia; 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchilden including one on the way. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Virginia Stephan of Marietta, Ohio; his brother Dave Stephan of Marietta, Ohio; his brother Rick Stephan of Coolville, Ohio; his son-in-law Ruvin Aguilar of Midland, Texas; his son-in-law Jon Hughes of Midland, Texas. The family will receive visitors on Thursday September 25 from 6 to 8 pm at American Heritage Funeral Home, 4100 N FM 1788, Midland, Texas. Graveside service honoring our father and grandfather will be held Friday September 26 at 11 am at American Heritage Cemetery. In remembrance of our hero, Thomas Stephan, donations can be given to Kelview Heights Baptist Church in Midland, Texas or Wounded Warriors. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Tributes

Thomas Howard Stephan

October 4, 1933 - September 17, 2025