Larry Joe Stephens

Larry Joe Stephens, 75, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Born in Abilene, Texas, Larry was the son of Joe Earl Stephens and Janet Fern Mays, who preceded him in death. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Wesleyan University and proudly served his country in the United States Naval Reserve.

Larry was an intellectual, lifelong learner, and entrepreneur with an endless curiosity and quest for knowledge. His varied career spanned technology, online commerce, and, in his later years, the travel industry. Throughout his life, he owned and operated several businesses, ranging from computers and electronics to a bed and breakfast. Fascinated by technology long before it became part of everyday life, Larry embraced personal computers in their earliest days and was ahead of his time in recognizing the possibilities they would create. That foresight eventually led him into the emerging world of online commerce, where, at one time, he became one of the largest sellers on eBay in North America. He was always thinking about his next business idea, constantly imagining new possibilities and finding new things to learn, explore, and pursue.

Above all, Larry cherished his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather (Papa), and the people he loved were at the center of his life. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Margaret Erwin, beginning a marriage that would span 56 years. Together, they built a life filled with family, friends, laughter, travel, good food, and countless memories.

Funny, generous, wise, hardworking, and often the life of the party, Larry loved telling a good story and always made those around him laugh. He was an amazing cook, and his culinary interests became one of the many ways he brought people together. An accomplished, world-ranked chili cook, Larry competed at the highest levels and won world championships for his chili. He also enjoyed wood turning, collecting typewriters, science fiction and vintage television, and spending time with his beloved dog, Dylan. He had a great love for travel and especially treasured his European river cruise adventures and the many memorable trips he shared with his family and longtime college friends. Yet some of his favorite moments were also the simplest—watching cooking shows with Margaret, sharing meals at favorite restaurants, telling stories, and spending quality time with family and friends.

During his four-year battle with cancer, Larry demonstrated the extraordinary strength and resilience that had defined him throughout his life. He fought incredibly hard and faced each challenge with determination. To his family, he was the strongest and most resilient person they knew.

Larry is survived by his wife, Margaret Stephens; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Jason Helm; his grandson, Gavin Helm; his sister, Claudia Howley; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and LuGene Erwin; his sister-in-law, Theresa Erwin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry will be remembered not for the illness he fought, but for the remarkable life he lived—for his curious mind, entrepreneurial spirit, wonderful stories, sense of humor, strength, and above all, his enduring love for his family and friends. His larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed, but the stories he told, the laughter he created, the lives he touched through the strength of his character, the adventures he shared, and the memories he made will live on in all those who loved him.