CW3 (Ret.) Robert C. Stephenson (age 80) passed away on October 3, 2012, in Colorado Springs. He was born March 20, 1932, in Rocky Ford, Colorado, to the late Joe and Lourene (Zimmerman) Stephenson.
Bob graduated from Chico High School (1950-Chico, CA), right after which he married his high school sweetheart, Mildred “Millie” Nelson, and entered the U.S. Air Force where he served as a medical technician for four years. Leaving the Air Force, he attended college for two years at Chico State University, and then entered the first Fixed-Wing Flight Officer’s Program in the U.S. Army, fulfilling his dream of becoming a pilot. During the first of his two tours in Vietnam, his plane was shot down, earning him the Purple Heart among many other medals and awards. Also during his 21½ years of service, he served three tours in Germany. He retired from the Army in 1995 and went to work for the postal service in Colorado Springs as a mail carrier, and was known as “Scooter” by his coworkers. Bob was an avid photographer and enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with his family and many friends.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Millie; daughter, Michelle Demonja and her children, Channing, Dalton, Jordan and Kendell; daughter, Renee (Joe) Baird and their children, Ethan, Jared and Riley. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane (1953-1955); son, Michael (1955-2006); and sister, Josie Rose.
Memorial services and military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2012, at Fellowship of the Rockies Church located at 1625 S. 8th St., Colo. Spgs., CO 80905. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the church.