SHREVEPORT, LA - Lewis Wayne Stephens was born on February 18, 1953 in Shreveport, LA to Elmer M. Stephens of Delhi, LA and Frances Walker Stephens of Cotton Valley, LA. His celebrated life and courageous battle with cancer came to end on September 15, 2015.
Lewis is preceded in death by his father "Steve" and his sister Cynthia "Cindy" Stephens. He is survived by his mother, Frances, son Grey Stephens, daughter Meg Stephens Heckendorn and husband, Chris and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and life-long friends.
Lewis grew up in a large, close, and faithful family. He was baptized in Lakeshore Baptist Church at age 9, and his legacy will serve as a reflection of his values, relationships, and love of life. He was a graduate of Fair Park High School, and Louisiana Tech University. Early in his career as a C.P.A. in private practice, he served individual and small business accounts, graciously accepted ties as Christmas gifts, enjoyed cigarettes indoors, and made many valued friendships and professional relationships that continued long after the work was done. In more recent years, he served as Controller for Stroud Exploration, a role that brought the relief of a more casual dress code, exciting new challenges and responsibilities, treasured friends, and ultimately his most rewarding professional years.
Lewis has been a faithful member of the Kiwanis Club of Shreveport since 1983, serving as Treasurer for over 20 years. He found much happiness over the years in pancake breakfasts, holiday drives, and friends made through their work to serve Children in need.
A true sports fan, he played basketball in high school, loved the 1980's Celtics, patiently coached his kids through little league, enjoyed water skiing and golf (low-back permitting), and loyally supported the Saints on Sundays even in the bad years. An avid music lover, he always kept a killer music collection and found himself at a fair share of live shows and festivals.
Lewis found his peace in the outdoors. Often under the pretext of fishing, hunting, or camping, he was never as concerned with the product of the endeavor as getting the opportunity to "wake up with nature".
He found his greatest joy in the company of family and friends. What started with fishing holes and 14 first cousins, became trips to the lake with childhood friends and their families in tow. Many of his best times were spent at the camp with those he loved.
He appreciated a simple breakfast of fresh black coffee and a piece of good pound cake. He will be remembered fondly by so many for his kind and caring nature, fun-loving spirit, unassuming common sense, and unexpected one-liners.
Funeral Services will be held at Rose-Neath Southside Funeral home on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Mr. Ray Boswell. Interment will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 12:00 p.m.
Honoring Lewis as pallbearers will be David Sipes, Mickey Walker, Hollis Davis, Ed Chance, Ken Martin, and Stephen Snow.
Honorary pallbearers include a list too long to publish.
The family would like to thank the staff at WK Bossier 3 North, Amedysis Hospice, and CHRISTUS Grace Home for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do your part in the fight against cancer by supporting research, volunteering, taking walks outside, and eating your fruits and veggies. Lewis asks that you pray that God shows him all the best fishing holes in heaven.