Michael Stephens

Michael Perry Stephens, 82 year old, Sapulpa, Oklahoma resident, passed from this life Monday, April 8, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was born May 9, 1936 in Sulphur, Oklahoma to parents Alfred Eugene Stephens and Mary Neoma (Perry) Stephens. Following high school Michael went on to further his education earning his Bachelor of Science Education from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.  He also served in the Army Reserve as an E-5 Specialist Army Medic. Michael married Joy Fern Stephens on May 2, 1962 in Gainesville, Texas.  Sadly she preceded him in death on June 7, 2014. Michael was also very involved in his community where he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sapulpa.  He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club in Sapulpa. Michael was the owner, manager of K.X.O.J. Radio Stations, Inc. Michael lived a very interesting life, he owned radio stations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Seminole, Oklahoma, Henryetta, Oklahoma and in Kansas, Texas, Mississippi and New York.  He knew how to play the oboe and piano.  He knew American Sign Language and could sign fluently.  He was also proud to tell that he was the first to buy a television in Sulfur, Oklahoma. Michael was also proud to have been a part of the band who played, “The Missouri Waltz” during Harry Truman’s whistle-stop campaign when the train arrived in Davis, Oklahoma. Michael also had the privilege to interview Elvis Presley when his movie “Love Me Tender” came out in 1956. Michael loved to travel (driving) visiting 48 states.  He never made it to Alaska or Hawaii. Another adventure Michael had was flying to Washington D.C. to pick up/borrow an actual moon rock for the “Henriesta Celebration” in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Survivors include one son, David Stephens and his wife Tina of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two daughters, Kim Harrison and her husband Andy of Piedmont, Oklahoma, Tara Vanarsdel and her husband Scott of Owasso, Oklahoma.  Michael is also survived by eight grandchildren, Ted Harrison, Caleb Harrison, Victoria Harrison, Cathryn (Vanarsdel) Villines, Cara (Vanarsdel) Jackson, Cami (Vanarsdel) Redding, Truman Stephens and Calvin Stephens. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Historic Strother Chapel located in Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma with Andy Harrison officiating.  Michael will be laid to rest by his wife of 52 years, Joy Fern Stephens in Maple Grove Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be: David Stephens, Truman Stephens, Calvin Stephens, Andy Harrison, Ted Harrison, Caleb Harrison and Scott Vanarsdel. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.  www.swearingenfuneral.com Funeral Information: April 13, 2019, 10:30 AM Historic Strother Chapel - Maple Grove Cemetery located at 1001 W. Strother Ave., Seminole, OK 74868