Raymond Joseph Stepan

  Raymond Joseph Stepan passed away on December 22, 2016 in the Shiner Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 94. He was born on January 29, 1922 to William Stepan and Marie Bedrich Stepan in Bleiblerville, Texas. He was one of 10 children. The Oldest was brother Frank, followed by Bill, Rosalle, Alfred, John, Otto, Lydia, Adolph and Vlasta. He attended school through the 8th grade in Bleiblerville. High School was not available in that area. He worked on the family farm and at his brother Freddy’s Store and Café in Brenham until he entered the Army in October 1942. He served in Sicily, England, France, Belgium, Germany and Holland as a Medic. He received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. He was discharged in October 1945. Upon being discharged he worked for Freddy again and continued dating Ruby Stefka who he met before entering the Army. They married, June 16, 1946. After living in Brenham a short time, he moved to Houston where he worked for his brother Adolph as a carpenter until he was employed with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.  He retired from there in 1984 after 35 years of service. Raymond and Ruby had three children, son Ashley Bill, who died at birth, daughter Mary Jane Stepan Alexander and daughter Donna Ray Stepan who died at the age of 18 months. In July 1968 they built a new home and moved to Monaville, Texas. Raymond continued working for the phone company until his retirement.  They also ran cattle and had a large garden. He supplied many of their neighbors with vegetables. Ruby entered the nursing home in Shiner in March 2014 and died there in October 2014. Raymond moved to his daughter and son-in-law place in Yoakum, Texas in April 2014. He enjoyed 2 years and 7 months before entered the Shiner Nursing Home, November 11, 2016. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents William and Marie Stepan, children Ashley Bill and Donna Ray; brothers, Frank and wife Lillian, Bill Stepan and Milady, Freddy and wife Ruth, John and wife Lillie, Otto and wife Nettie Bell, Adolph and wife Sadie. Sisters; Rosalie Stepan Broughton and husband; Lydia Stepan Siptek and husband Edmund and Vlasta Stepan Grebe and husband Reuben and brother-in-law, Glen Tent. Raymond is survived by his daughter Mary Jane Stepan Alexander and husband Rick Alexander; grandsons; Ricky Alexander and girlfriend Cindy; Ryan Alexander and wife Jenny and two great grandchildren; Braden and Trace Alexander. Sister- in- law Opal Trent and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Raymond’s VERY FAVORITE thing to do was to go for a ride, usually on Sunday afternoon. Without a doubt he would always say, looking out of the window; “This is a road I’ve never been on before.” Daddy you are on the glorious road to heaven now – we love and miss you always.