George Stephens

George Edward Stephens, 97, of Scottsdale, AZ, peacefully passed away on June 18, 2025. He was born March 20th, 1928, to Percy and Alice Stephens of Kingman, AZ.

In 1956, George met his beautiful wife, Josephine, in Albuquerque, NM. They raised five amazing children: Tina (Robert—aka “Smitty” Smith), Tim (Yvonne) Stephens, Melanie (Joe Drazkowski), Matt (Donna) Stephens, and Brian Stephens (Angela Mack).

George loved serving in the U.S. military. After attending St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, AZ, he joined the Navy and deployed to China. He subsequently graduated from Arizona State University. He later enlisted in the US Air Force and served in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Yakota AFB in Japan, and Vandenberg AFB in California. He retired from the USAF in 1967 and then worked for the federal government. He ended his military career with the Arizona Army National Guard.

George loved football—especially the ASU Sun Devils—but pretty much everything football. He spent most of his retirement watching sports on TV while enjoying Josephine’s cooking!

George was predeceased by his wife in 2011. He is survived by his younger brother, Bill (Rene) Stephens, by all of his five children, eight grandchildren: Natalie, Casey (Angie), Christina (Anthony), Kyle, Carli, Andrew, Elizabeth (Cody), Brianna, and by three great grandchildren (Ava, Shawn, and Brian) and one great-greatgrandchild (Danielle).

George’s family thanks all of his caregivers during his final years: Mina, Ani, Lavaya, and Stana and Pete. Hospice of the Valley nurses Maureen and Amanda were stellar in every way.

Visitation will be held June 27, 2025, at Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 9:00—10:30 AM. George will be reunited with Josephine on 7/14/2025 at 9:30 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley: HOV.org.