June 30, 2010

Deacon Stephenson ministered to the deaf community 

By Denver Catholic Register

Deacon Billy Stephenson died June 16 after battling a number of illnesses and injuries.  He was 79.

He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 19, 1930, and became a medic for the U.S. Navy when he was 17.  In 1952, he married Dorothy Sanchez at Our Lady of Loreto Chapel on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla. 

In 1958, he entered into the Catholic faith at St. Gertrude Parish in Kingsville, Texas.  After retiring from the Navy in 1968, he eventually settled in Thornton, Colo., and took a job with the Gates Rubber Co. (now Gates Corporation). 

In 1976, he was ordained a deacon in the Archdiocese of Denver and was assigned to Holy Cross Parish.  While at the Thornton parish, Deacon Stephenson learned sign language and ministered to the hearing impaired and deaf community.  In 1985, he was assigned to the Air Force Chapel at Lowry Air Force Base. He also ministered to the elderly, the incarcerated and the sick on a regular basis.

Deacon Stephenson retired from active diaconal ministry in 1990 because of continuing heart problems; however, he continued ministering as much as possible. 

“Deacon Billy loved his vocation and family,” said Deacon Joe Donohoe, director of deacon personnel. “He lived his vocation with a smile.  Despite his health issues, he was always available to those in need.” 

Deacon Stephenson is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and his children, Theresa (Terri), Robert, and Patricia (Tish) along with six grandchildren. 

A funeral for Deacon Stephenson was held June 21 at Holy Cross Parish. Interment was June 23 at Fort Logan National Cemetery.