Terral Eugene Stephenson

Terral Eugene Stephenson, 82, of Healdton, Oklahoma, passed away April 16, 2026, in the home he had lovingly shared with his family for 54 years. Terral was born in Roosevelt, Oklahoma, on Monday, May 17, 1943, to Austin Eugene “Pete” Stephenson and Lillie Marie Calvary Hampton Stephenson. He attended Graham High School.

During high school, Terral began working in the oilfield. It was through one of his coworkers that he met the love of his life, Lena Faye Lashley. The couple married on March 9, 1962, and began building a life together. Just a year later their first son, Danny, was born, with Randy following in 1965. During this time Terral began working at Uniroyal, where he spent 35 years before retiring. Through this job the family eventually settled in Healdton, Oklahoma, in 1972. Eight years later they welcomed their third and final child, Michael, completing their family. In his younger years, Terral was known for living life to the fullest. In his spare time you could often find him riding motorcycles, playing poker with friends, or raising and fighting game roosters. He was also an excellent cook, a skill he proudly learned from his mother, and he especially loved grilling for family gatherings. Whether it was around a grill, a card table, or a backyard get-together, Terral enjoyed the company of good friends and good stories.

Retirement slowed him down a little, but not by much. Many of his days were spent watching old westerns and classic television shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, or the western film Stagecoach. More than anything, however, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To them he was simply “Pawpaw,” and he showed up in every sense of the word. He attended ball games, graduations, talent shows, recitals, and any event he could make it to. Pawpaw was known for slipping the grandkids a little spending money, teasing them with his sharp sense of humor, and making sure they always knew they were loved.

Terral will be remembered for the deep devotion he had for his family. He was always there when someone needed help, offering a hand during hard times, a place to lean when things felt heavy, and steady strength when it mattered most — even if it sometimes came with a colorful vocabulary or a stubborn streak. 

Terral was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Lillie Stephenson; his loving wife, Lena Faye Lashely; his son, Randy Stephenson; his daughter-in-law, Karan Godwin; and his brothers, Donald Ray Stephenson and Roy D. Stephenson.

He is survived by his beloved sons, Danny Stephenson and Michael Stephenson and wife, Shelly; his dearest sister, Eva Lee “Sissy” Russell; and his brother, Kenny Wayne Stephenson. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Lindsay Ficklin and husband Jared; Kaci Stephenson; Lacey Morrow and husband Ricky; Mackenzie Stephenson and wife Ashley; Lesley Wright and husband Keith; Lauran Stephenson; Blain Stephenson and wife Cierra; Zackary Stephenson and wife Chelsey; Lexus Stephenson; Katelyn Stephenson; Conner Stephenson, Alyssa Juarez, Tyler Juarez, Zack Sampson, and Damion Brown.

He was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren — Issac, Blake, Rileigh, Logan, Aubrey, Hunter, Ryker, Ryder, Talon, Kaigen, Kymber, and Kinsley — along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Pawpaw’s chair may be empty, but his place in our hearts never will be.

Graveside Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M., Tuesday April 21, 2026 at Mount Olive Cemetery with Rev. Paul Dean Martin officiating. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Healdton. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6-8 P.M.

Online memorials may be made at www.alexandergrayfh.com.