Everett “Neil” Stephens March 19, 1938 – May 03, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card| Memorial Donation Our beloved Everett “Neil” Stephens passed away peacefully on the evening of May 3, 2019, in Dayton, Washington, at the age of 81 years old. Neil was born in Walla Walla, Washington on March 19, 1938 to Frank & Helen Stephens, the oldest of three children, he had two younger brothers, Russell and Phillip. After graduating from Prescott High School in 1957, Neil worked on the family ranch with his parents and dabbled in amateur rodeo.
He was never one to shy away from hard work and keen to embrace his cowboy spirit. From there, Neil joined the Army Federal Reserves, and upon his return, he began his career as a salesman at Stone Machinery, a Caterpillar Dealer; a profession which he enjoyed for the next 28 years. In 1992 Neil turned his love of big rig trucks into his own transportation business, hauling lumber, grain, seed peas, grapes and beans.
Tema Inc. was first based in Pasco, Washington until Neil moved his business to Dayton in 2001 and remained at the helm until his passing. He loved the challenges of running his own business. Neil was a talented and respected business owner with strong ties to the community.
He was a generous supporter of his church and found value in public service. He served on the Benton-Franklin County Fair board for nine years, and spent an additional eight years on the Washington State Fair Association. His love of the Fair stemmed from his passion for Rodeo and for his community.
It culminated in becoming the President of the Washington State Fair Board, where he enjoyed meeting new people from all over the state. Later in life, Neil’s greatest pleasures included spending time traveling with his wife and friends in his RV or hitting the road on his “Harley” motorcycle with his buddy George. He was a fan of car shows and restoring old cars, and recently won two trophies in the “40’s original category” at the “All Wheels Weekend” Car Show.
Neil lived each day with a positive attitude that always included a beautiful smile. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and was a genuine people person that had many friends who all loved him dearly. Neil will be dearly missed by his loving wife Sharon, their children Kami Borg, Alan Stephens, Crystal Werner, Lisa Walker, Darin Stephens, Beau Bramble, Lynn Hollenbeck, Bambi Van Dyke, and Garland Bramble.
He leaves behind ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and their families. He is also survived by his Aunt Agnes Stephens Markarian and his brother Phillip Stephens. Graveside Services will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 2pm at the Milton-Freewater Cemetery, 54700 Milton Cemetery Road, Milton-Freewater, OR Memorial Services will be on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 12pm, potluck reception to follow at The United Brethren Church, 1106 South 4th Street, Dayton, WA with Greg Brownell, Presiding.
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