Joseph Cozell Stephens, Jr., 81, passed away doing what he loved on his land in Stuart.  Joseph, known as Joe, was born on April 14, 1943 in Honolulu, HI, to Caroline and Joseph Stephens.  He married the love of his life, Judy Conallis, on Dec. 10, 1965 in Durant.  He was a long-time resident of Princeton, TX, where he and Judy raised their four children and made many lifelong friends.  For the past 18 years they have been residents of Stuart.

Joe grew up in Lewisville and Olney, TX, where he went to school and played football.  Joe was a proud Marine Corps veteran, serving as a combat engineer from 1960 to 1964, and was stationed at the Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms, CA, and conducted operations in Korea, Japan and several other areas of conflict.  After his military service, Joe could often be seen riding broncs and bulls in local rodeos.  He became a Master Diesel Mechanic in Irving, TX working for Merchants Trucking for 29 years.  Throughout his life, he had a passion for hunting and fishing with friends and family.  Throughout retirement he was an avid farmer and loved caring for his animals.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Judy; son, James Stephens and wife Kim, daughter, Jena Lynch and husband Clay, son Jason Stephens and wife Tina, son Jared Stephens; grandchildren, Jana Love and husband Justin, Jinger, Trent, Jordan, Conner, Abigail, Charlie, and Jared; great grandchildren, Gunner and Emmy.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Caroline, father, Joseph Cozell Stephens, Sr., and his brother, James Edward Stephens.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 22, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church on 6th street and Stuart Street in Stuart, and a graveside service at the Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro, TX on Sunday, June 23, at 2:00 p.m., with a memorial reception following at the Jimmie O. Rector Community Center in Whitesboro, TX.