Gerald Stephenson's Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) Allen Stephenson, 86, of Enterprise, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2025. Born March 27, 1939, in Lusk, Wyoming, Jerry lived a life marked by resilience, dedication and quiet adventure.
At the age of 7, he survived a devastating childhood fire and spent six months recovering at the Denver Hospital, enduring extensive treatment to his lower leg. Despite early adversity, he excelled in athletics and played football and basketball at Lingle schools. Raised on a working farm, he helped care for turkeys, cows and sheep, and cultivated gladiolus flowers.
One of his proudest early achievements came at age 14 when he drove his prize fat sheep, Joe, to the Denver Stock Show—alone—and won first place. The event earned coverage in the local newspaper after Joe was displayed at the iconic Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver, much to his parents’ surprise.
Jerry married Karen Stroud on August 31, 1959. The couple purchased and operated a dairy farm, milking cows twice daily while attending community college at night. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Agronomy from the University of Wyoming. After graduation, he began a 30-plus-year career with E.I. DuPont, a role that brought the family to Ohio and, in 1978, to Florida, where he spent his remaining years.
In retirement, Jerry embraced a life rooted in nature and community. His love for fly fishing in Alaska or deep-sea fishing off Keaton Beach in the Gulf of Mexico was a hobby he enjoyed. Just across the street from his home in Enterprise, he tended two large gardens, cultivating an abundance of tomatoes, sweet corn, green beans, lettuce, potatoes and more—produce enjoyed not only by family and neighbors, but also by local doctors who appreciated his harvests. He was also part of the first volunteer fire department for Stone Island.
Known for his humor, warmth and gift for storytelling, Jerry brought joy and connection to every gathering.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Karen Stroud Stephenson; daughters Marla Stephenson Russell(spouse David Russell) and Dawn Stephenson Hulett (spouse, Jim Hulett); and sister Mary Ann Stephenson.
In honor of his legacy, the family encourages those wishing to remember Jerry to spend a quiet morning fishing, gardening or share a good story with someone they love.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
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Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
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