On Saturday, April 10, 2021, Dr. Philip Logan Stephenson was welcomed into his true home in Heaven and is now fully restored in the presence of God. He was 88 years old.

Philip, more lovingly referred to as Phil, Dr. Phil, Dad, and PapaDoc, lived a full and purposeful life. He was born on February 25, 1933 in Alva, OK to Ishmael Forrester Stephenson and Marjorie Fern (Tucker) Stephenson. He was the eldest son followed by his two brothers, Alan and Dan. He graduated from Alva High School in 1951, where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. He furthered his education at the University of Oklahoma where he played basketball for a few semesters and was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Phil achieved both his Bachelor of Science and subsequent Medical Degree, then following his studies at OU, he was granted an internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. It was there that he met and captured the heart of his Indian Princess, Chrys. They were married on May 2, 1959 and shared an incredible 63 years living, loving, and serving together. After marrying, Phil completed his Residency in General Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center. He then settled his family permanently in Wichita Falls, TX where he opened his surgical practice for the next 34 years - the exception being two years that were served as a Military Captain in the United States Air Force stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base. It was here in Wichita Falls, that Phil and Chrys raised their four children – Paul, Pam, Barry and Scott.

As a medical professional, Phil was admired and esteemed. Along with his successful surgical practice, he served as President of the Wichita County Medical Society, and received their Distinguished Service Award. Phil was also appointed as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at Wichita General Hospital. Upon the merger of the two hospitals, Bethania and Wichita General, Phil acted as Vice President/Medical Director of the newly formed United Regional Healthcare System until his retirement in 2000. A member of many medical societies and organizations, Phil constantly sought to better himself within and for the field of medicine.

Phil's full career did not hinder him from walking out his faith by giving back to his community. He attended and was a member of Grace Church for 57 years, serving as a greeter and often leading Bible Studies in his office and home. He served on the Board of First Step and the YMCA. In addition, he was President of the School Board at Notre Dame Catholic School, and also assumed the role of Team Physician for the athletic program there. Most notably, though, Phil was a member of the Wichita Falls Chapter of Rotary, serving a stent as President, and was awarded for his 50 years of perfect attendance. During his time as a Rotarian, he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for contributions made to The Rotary Foundation in his name. Although deserving of honor, the way he chose to bless others was not to seek appreciation but to better the causes he supported by often foregoing any formal acknowledgment and always done as an offering unto the Lord. In fact, Phil would most likely discourage any discussions of his service even now. That being said, Phil was also a blood donor, having donated over 20 gallons of blood during his lifetime. He gave sacrificially, considering others more important than himself, as God had called him to faithfully and obediently do.

Although Phil gained recognition and found meaning in his career as a skillful surgeon, and delighted in serving and giving to his community, his true joy and fulfillment in life was realized in his faith and his family. His children remember him as a fun and adventurous Dad who chose to create memories by investing in relationships rather than material possessions. In such a special way, they got to see a side of him that no one else did. Phil was happily involved in every aspect of his children's lives – he never missed a single game, track meet, program, activity, or event. He was their biggest fan and their greatest supporter in all their endeavors. But, then, his grandchildren came, and nothing made him more proud than to brag about them to anyone who would listen. Phil showed his love through his actions, support, and big proud smile. The most important legacy he wished to leave behind was for his family to know Jesus and share his love with others like he strived to do.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Ishmael Forrester and Marjorie Fern Stephenson, and his two younger brothers Alan Stephenson and Dan Stephenson.

Phil is survived by his wife of 63 years, Chrys Stephenson; his son Paul Stephenson and wife Lynn of Waxahachie and their children Joshua Stephenson and wife Rachelle and 3 children of Colorado Springs, CO, Jessica McCloskey and husband Matt and 2 children of Canyon, Jordan Stephenson and fiancé Haley Moore of Waxahachie, and Jenah Jameson and husband Preston of Colorado Springs, CO; his daughter Pam Spruiell and husband Lance of Wichita Falls and their children Eric Spruiell and wife Jessica and 3 children of Lewisville, Emily Reece and husband Sam and 3 children of Omaha, NE, Randi Callahan and husband Bobby and 2 children of Holliday, Katy McKee and husband Kendall of Lexington, KY, Shane Spruiell and wife Emily of Rochester, MN, and Shannon Spruiell of Seattle, WA; his son Barry Stephenson and wife Juanita and their children, Beau Stephenson and wife Erin and 2 children of Richardson, Joel Patrick of Grand Prairie, Alexis Phillips and husband Casey and 1 child of Baton Rouge, LA, Maggie Cavanagh and husband Jack and 2 children of Denver, CO, Lauren Mora Stephenson and husband Luis Mora and 3 children of Fort Worth, Barron Stephenson of Grapevine, and Samantha Stephenson of; his son Scott Stephenson and wife LeAnn of Austin, and their children Olivia Stephenson of McKinney, and Noah Stephenson of Denton; for a total of  4 children, 19 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren and counting.

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!" Psalm 127:3-5a

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Phil Stephenson is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 1:30 PM at Grace Church, located at 5214 Stone Lake Dr. Wichita Falls, TX 76310. If you so choose, please wear OU crimson as we remember Phil's love for Sooner Nation.

The family has requested that donations be made to Grace Church, The Rotary Foundation, Hospice of Wichita Falls, or your charity of choice.