Long-time Hartshorne resident James William "J.W." Stephenson, age 91, passed away in Oklahoma City on February 6, 2022.  He was born in Coalgate in a Rock Island Railroad section house.  He is survived by his children, Mary Ann (Stephenson) Strombitski and husband Carl of Durant, and David Stephenson and wife Rita of Oklahoma City; a granddaughter, Carla (Strombitski) Nejad and husband Sam of Lone Tree Colo.; sisters-in-law, Gloria Marzuola and Linda Sherrill of McAlester and Betty Curliss of Hartshorne, along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Greta (Curliss) Stephenson after 62 years of marriage.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Edith (Blansett) Stephenson and siblings June (Stephenson) Dixon, Vera (Stephenson) Brazil, Robert "Buddy" Stephenson, and John Henry Stephenson.  Also, J.W.'s best friend of more than 85 years, John J.  "Joe" McMurtrey, preceded him in death.

J.W. was a graduate of Haileyville High School (Class of 1949) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University, earning a B.A. in History in 1957.  He had been the last surviving member of the Haileyville High School football "Wonder Team" of 1948.  As a youth, J.W. was a Golden Gloves boxer and lettered in baseball, basketball and football.  He and Greta Curliss were married in Norman on March 12, 1955 at the First Christian Church.  Benny Curliss served as their witness.

J.W. was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War era, serving honorably with the 45 ^th Infantry Division, 2 ^nd Infantry Division, and the 3 ^rd Army.  His active and reserve duty spanned a decade.

He was part of the third generation of his family to make a career as a trainman.  He served as a railroad clerk, brakeman, and conductor on the Rock Island Rail Line.  He completed his 42-year career on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe.  It was his privilege to help mentor many younger trainmen as they gained experience and knowledge.

J.W. was a long-time member and past post commander of Plunkett-Hancock post 180 American Legion of Hartshorne.  He was a Boy Scout leader and youth baseball coach.  He and Greta were active members of the First Christian Church.  He loved the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  Family trips often involved visits to major league baseball stadiums, Civil War battlefields, camping or cookouts.  He was characterized by his love of family, a deep faith in God, his ready smile, helping hands, and homespun wisdom.

The family will receive friends at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Funeral services are Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester.  Honorary pallbearers are Jim Kurilko, Teddy Joe Sitter, Terry Rich and nephews, Mike Curliss, Robert Stephenson, and Mike Stephenson.  For those desiring to make a memorial gift, the family suggests the First Christian Church at 127 S. 10 ^th St. in Hartshorne, or Goodland Academy at 1216 N. 4200 Road, Hugo, Ok. 74743.