Bennie Biram Stephenson was born Wednesday, June 17, 1936, in Weleetka to Billie Lois (Keen) Stephenson and William Irish Stephenson. He had one older brother, Wendell Irish. He spent his youth in Weleetka and Okmulgee, where he graduated high school. He loved playing basketball and football for the Bulldogs. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country and was honorably discharged as a Combat Veteran having served in Korea. He spent time working with his family overseas, returning to the states to attend college at OSUIT here in Okmulgee. He met his first wife Beverly in Okmulgee and had two children, Bennie (Roger) and Pamela Lynn. They relocated to Ft. Smith, Ark. where he began his career as a draftsman and later retired as The Director of Quality Control.
He loved spending time with his parents and kids camping, fishing and boating. He was a devoted husband and father. He married his second wife, Carolyn, and had two more children, Tara Lynn and Carrie Elizabeth. They made their home on a farm in Roland. The farm was his passion. He loved raising his Angus cows and baling hay. He loved taking his bass boat out for fishing tournaments and camping with his parents at Okmulgee Lake. He eventually returned to Okmulgee to be closer to his mother, June 17, 1936
where he would remain with his companion, Marilyn. He loved the outdoors, he loved his family and he loved his friends. He was ornery, funny and wise beyond his years. We’ve always said “there’s a right way, a wrong way and Bennie’s way.” And he was always right.
He was preceded in death by his son, Roger; father, Irish; mother, Billie; companion, Marilyn; and brother, Wendell. He is survived by his three daughters, Pamela Lynn, Tara Lynn, and Carrie Elizabeth; four grandchildren, Kenleigh, Taylor, Amari, and Ava Jean; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Visitation 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at The Refuge Church, 1206 W. 5th St. in Okmulgee. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at The Refuge Church, with Pastor Jake Brill Officiating. Burial will follow at Okmulgee Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Kevin Reed, Charles Braiser, David Brewer, Mike Clevenger, Brandon Turner and Amari Nichols. Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Gainor, Eddy Evans and Bill Stange.
