Robert Roy Stephens

Robert (Steve) Stephens, 102, was a lifelong Albuquerque resident, with the exception of proud service to his country, with active duty in Hawaii, and the Solomon Islands. Robert also served 20+ years as an original member of the New Mexico Air National Guard ("Tacos"). He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Elaine Stephens of Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Katherine; his son, Alan; and his brothers, Jack and Kenneth.

Steve, with his "Ma," Edith (Loebs) survived the Great Depression and the loss of his father, Earl Stephens, to a construction accident. After graduating from Albuquerque High School, Steve signed up with the Calvary, in Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was honorably discharged from the 224th Army Air Force Base Unit, after surviving the Pearl Harbor bombing of Hickam Airfield in Hawaii, and a reconnaissance mission that ended with the flight crashed on a remote area on the Big Island, requiring a four-day mule rescue.

After the war, he built his first home on Commercial Avenue, which endeared him to the love of his life, Katherine, with whom he adopted his children, Alan and Elaine, from Canada, in 1954. Baptized, confirmed, and married in Immaculate Conception Church, he and Katherine subsequently established their new home and family in Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven Parish). He spent his life being a true handyman, repairing and recycling beyond contemporary concepts of conservation. He enjoyed motorcycle riding into his late 80's, and continued driving his truck until he was 98. He was known and loved by friends at daily mass and rosary, as well as by the staff and residents who came to know him in his last three years at Atria Vista del Rio, on Indian School Rd. NE. His good humor and kindness, remarks like "you made my day!" and a ready smile, will be hard to forget.

A Rosary will be recited in his honor on Monday, May 10, 2021, 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH-University, with Rev. Carol A. Giannini and Deacon Efren Medrano officiating. A live stream of the rosary will be available at www.frenchfunerals.com, and will be linked for 90 days. Robert's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5300 Claremont Ave. NE, with Father Simeon Wimmershoff, Celebrant, and Deacons Pilar Garcia and Efren Medrano. Interment with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd NE.