of Lamar, AR
Thomas Richard ''Tom'' Stephenson, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away unexpectedly on January 7th, 2024. Tom was born on March 29, 1941 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas to Billy Lincoln Stephenson and Janey Hugh Dean Stephenson. Tom graduated from Arkadelphia High School then received a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Henderson State University where he was a middle distance runner for their track team. He received his Master's degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas and a Ph.D. in psychology from Utah State University. Tom spent approximately 20 years in the Army and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During the Vietnam War, he was deployed to Thailand. He was a professor of psychology for 30 years at the University of the Ozarks and took great joy in watching his students grow academically. He also was a Marriage and Family Therapist for Counseling Associates and Cass Job Corps. Tom was an avid sports fan and coached his children and other area youth in baseball and basketball through the Boys and Girls' Club. He also served for several decades as a member of the chain gang for Friday night football games at Lamar High School. He enjoyed antiques and vintage cars as well as being a hobby breeder for golden retrievers and Great Pyrenees. Tom was a life-long learner and in retirement, was especially interested in craftsmanship and building projects. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Tom was a unique eccentric. He was an educator and coach in everything he did, imparting wisdom and cultivating curiosity to everyone he engaged. He valued hard work, education, honesty, talking and having fun. He loved to listen to vinyl records, especially big band and jazz music and would often implore his children to ''come listen to this one''. He and Sammie enjoyed dancing with each other and won the anniversary dance at their granddaughter's wedding. He was an insatiable reader and would often give books to others as gifts - usually with a personal inscription on the front page. However, he especially excelled in helping others dealing with loss, tragedy and trauma.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Janey Stephenson and his younger brother, Burt Toone.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sammie (Pegg) Stephenson and their six children, Timi Stephenson Nelson (Daniel), Thomas Stephenson, Jr. (Cristiane), Taba Stephenson Thurman (Shane), Toney Stephenson (Laura), Tosh Stephenson and Chess Stephenson (Riley); sixteen grandchildren, Mandy Thomas Newlove (Bryan), Terry Thomas Jr. (Christian), Jai Fults, Gabrielle Thurman Armer (Zach), Trey Thurman, Thomas Stephenson, William Stephenson, Margaret Stephenson, Sophie Stephenson, Corbett Stephenson, Janey Stephenson, Jett Stephenson (Skylynn), Lana Stephenson, Téa Stephenson and six great-grandchildren, Luke King Jr., Thomas King, Heidi Post, Sarah Thomas, Terry Thomas III and Hazel Stephenson. He is also survived by three siblings, Jan Scheuer, Mack Freeman (Ila) and Toney Freeman (Carolyn).
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tom's birth date, Friday, March 29th, 2024, at Raymond Munger Chapel on the campus of the University of the Ozarks. The rendering of military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard will follow at 1:00 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Clarksville under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home in Clarksville.
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39 Condolence(s)
Rebecca Yasunaga
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Oh my goodness! I am a psychologist solely because of him! He shaped the ways I think about people..he made me the writer that I am (with many red marks) , I’m so sad I didn’t take time to tell him how much he meant to me. Prayers for the family .
Bryant Dillard
Friday, March 29, 2024
I’m sorry to the family for the loss.
Ty and graduated together..
They moved here and immediately became part of the community.
This family gave me some of my most fond memories as a kid.
Tom started with us as our Little League coach.
Tom started the name Lamar Lobos with still exsists as far as I know.
He hauled us around taught us life lessons at a young age.
Never forget him spending a lot of time with us..
Sincerely,Bryant Dillard
Karen Jones
Friday, March 29, 2024
Tom, I will always remember the time you gave to everyone. You helped people find their future and taught a strong work ethic. Our time teaching and counseling is the most significant part of my professional life. You are missed as a trusted friend and mentor. “This is the man, This is the place” is heard by all the angels today and forever. Sending love to your family, Karen
Pam Schrum
Friday, March 29, 2024
So very sorry, our deepest sympathy. Love from Pam and Everett Schrum.
Diana Olivieri-Garcia
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Words cannot give comfort to your tremendous loss , but know we are here for you. We love you and hope to be there you comfort now and always
Wallie Shaw
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Always enlightening conversations with Tom—especially at the post office. Thanks for helping to make the extended community a better place.
Debi Brandhorst-Wilmoth
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
My sincere condolences. TR will be missed very much. I remember the visits, road trips, and the craziness we all had during the summer in Arkansas. Love to you all.
Bill Brandhorst
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Thank you for the beautiful memories we created during our summer visits. I’ll always remember seeing, “My Old Kentucky Home,” visiting Abe Lincoln’s homestead, swimming at Piney Bay, and getting together at grandma and grandpa’s farmhouse.
Ms Jai Renee
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
We are so fortunate to have such amazing family, friends and support systems. Grampa always had a way with words and stories and it is so wonderful to see how he touched people's lives.
Mickey Pegg
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Linda Ashmore
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Sammie, I just now am learning about your loss. Condolences and love and prayers for you and your family.
HENRY W BRANDHORST AND LOUISE BRANDHORST
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Our deepest condolences, Tom was like a brother to us. His loss was untimely and too soon.
Bob Brandhorst
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
With love to you all.
Sue Greene
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Sammie, so sorry for your loss.
Robert Hudson
Monday, March 25, 2024
Sorry to hear about Tom having died. We were in graduate school together and then both worked for Counseling Associates in Russellville back in the 1980's. I have thought about Tom several times over the years. If time permitted he was always good for conversation. You always knew where Tom stood on a question. He had no use for "beat around the bush" for any reason. Writing these few words I am smiling like the total nut that was Tom!
April Townsend
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
I’m so sorry, Dr. Stephenson. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lori (Shaffer) Watson
Monday, March 18, 2024
Graduating with Taba, I didn’t know Tom as well personally, but I do have many fond memories of the family as whole.
I know there are no words to help with the loss of a spouse, parent, and leader of the family.
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers for comfort for you all.
Gena Thomas Jordan
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Sammie, your birthday popped up on Facebook today…I don’t know what led me to search a bit more. Shocked and saddened to see of Tom’s passing. I owe so much to this man… he was one of the most significant people in my life when I was in my 20’s. (You as well). He also helped me raise two incredible children. I would call him when I don’t know how to handle a situation. My kids are now productive citizens of this world. Sammie, please reach out when you have time. My phone is (817) 929-0080. Prayers for you and your sweet family….
Gilbert Parks
Monday, January 29, 2024
Condolences to the family and his former students and friends. What a colleague!!! Never a dull moment and a remarkable TEACHER! I wish I could have had at least one more conversation with friendly advice from him!
Byra Ramsey
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Sammie, I was so sad when June and Brenda reached out with the news of your husband’s passing! I am so sorry! Love you and sending prayers!
Tisha Toone
Monday, January 15, 2024
TR was my hubby's brother. I know there are not favorites in families...but in this family TR was a favorite!! His brothers & sisters & their families loved him dearly.
I was a newby to his family and he always made me feel most welcome. This whole family relished listening to stories about time spent with TR & his family.
Not a family event went by without stories of TR, Mac & Toney & Burt & Jan. (And Grannies house in Silholm). I can only take solice in knowing he & Burt are up to their usual debates & shenanigans now together again!!!
I'm saving this date as I won't miss seeing you all again. Sammy my thoughts are with you!!!
Henry Harold Scheuer
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Sammy Lou,
My sincere condolences to you and all your incredible family. TR was certainly a unique guy. Although I haven't seen the two of you in over 30 years, I still tell stories about some of our experiences. Please accept a long distance hug from me!
Jan Scheuer
Sunday, January 14, 2024
TR, Tom was a unique human. My oldest brother who I looked up to and reached out to for opinions and thoughts about life. I miss him greatly. Love you Tom.
KirkHolt
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Coach Tom was my baseball coach. He gave me the name DIRT…. He was an awesome coach and man…
Lonnie D Crowder
Friday, January 12, 2024
Worked for Tom on one of his projects and it was an adventure, he was always eager to learn something new, and always was a story to be told to you of some of his past adventures. He will be missed
Carol Hannon
Friday, January 12, 2024
The Baxters just loved Tom to pieces he would walk across the street to talk to ya if you were outside he knew momma loved Indians so every time he found something or just a picture he would bring it over to her he will be greatly missed by many
Charlie Climer
Friday, January 12, 2024
I loved this man.
Gary Robbins
Friday, January 12, 2024
Tom was a good man, I really enjoyed talking with him. Sorry for your loss.
Steven Campbell
Friday, January 12, 2024
Peace and strength to all the family.
Janell Shawn Ragsdale
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Dr Stephenson was one of my favorite professors at U of O. He always had a smile and great outlook. Deepest condolences to the family.
John and Ann Marie McAuley
Thursday, January 11, 2024
We were shocked to hear of Tom,'s death--we expected him to live to 104 years. We have so many happy (and humorous) memories of time together.
Requiescat en pace, out dear friend.
May we all (his family and all his many friends) treasure our memories together with him.
John and Ann Marie McAuley
Anne Moore
Thursday, January 11, 2024
As much as I did not really like rain. He boasted a love of rain and was energized by rain (he said). Most likely he was energized by rain although I am not sure he needed any more energy. Love to you Sammie My heart is with you
Marc Muncy
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I am so devastated by the tragic news of Dr. Tom’s death. It was only three weeks ago that he and I sat at my kitchen table and discussed all kinds of topics for more than two hours. I will treasure that memory for the rest of my life. It’s not meant to be a cliche to say that I am a better person for having known Dr. Tom Stephenson.
Butch Thomas
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Dianne Garrison
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was just talking about Tom to my son Garry the other day. He and Glenn were both coached by Tom through Boys Club and he taught Heidi at the University of the Ozarks. One story Heidi would tell is when she questioned him about U of O being a Christian school. She asked him why they don't talk about God. On the next text he put an essay question worth 50% of the grade. The question was "Who is God" and below it said 'you can than Heidi Garrison for this question' I always wished I could have saved a copy of that. I know he and Heidi were good friends and are have long conversations now that he's joined her in heaven. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Dianne
Linda Tilley
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I worked with Tom for five years on the Lamar Parks and Recreation Committee in the '80's. Tom was such a joy to work with. Our community has certainly lost a great mind and great guy.
Terrie and Chris Pickett
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
We are terribly saddened to hear this. Tom was a great man. He will be missed..
Stacie Guess
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Stephenson’s passing. He always encouraged me to be a good student. My family will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Diana Duff Howell
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I am sadden to hear of Professor Stephenson's passing. I worked for him at the University of the Ozarks. He was a very unique individual and I truly learned from him in a short time. My heart felt "Thank you" to the family for His Service to our Country. My deepest condolences to all the Family. May God comfort you.