William A. "Bill" Stephen, II

Funeral service for William A. “Bill” Stephen, II will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024 in Becker Rabon Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Jim Coe officiating.

Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm Friday at the funeral home.

William A. Stephen, II died Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Snyder, Oklahoma at the age of 79. He was born December 10, 1944 in Lawton, Oklahoma to W.A. “Bert” and Henrietta (Picek) Stephen. Bill grew up in Lawton and was a 1963 graduate of Lawton High School and later attended Cameron State Agricultural College. He married Sharon Horton on September 3, 1965 in Lawton.

Through his involvement in FFA, Bill achieved the Junior Masters Farmers Degree, later known as the State FFA Degree. Bill set his sights on owning his own farm at an early age. At the age of 16 he purchased the first 160 acres of his farm for $50 an acre. His mom would drive him out to the farm, drop him off, and return after a full day of work. He spent hours clearing the land and developing the property to meet the needs of his farming operation, gladly accepting advice from the mentors in his life. He enjoyed his cattle and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with young upcoming ranchers. He also took great interest as his children and grandchildren showed their animals in various livestock shows.

He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He had been active with the Lawton Rotary Club, the Comanche County Saddle & Sirloin Club and had served in the National Guard.

Bill is survived by his wife, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Shannon Kay and Michael Richey and Tracy and Gary Frees; four grandchildren, Amanda Kay Spannagel and husband Billy, Alicia Michelle Richey, Emily Ann Frees and Carson Stephen Frees; a great grandson, Harrison Michael Spannagel; his brother-in-law, MG (Retired) Vincent Falter; a niece, Laura Burt and husband Kenny; and a nephew, Vincent Falter.

His parents, sister, Marta Falter, and granddaughter, Adison Mykel Richey, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the CSEF (Cache School Education Foundation), 102 E. H Ave, Cache, Oklahoma 73527.