Edward Henry Stephen

The family of Edward Henry Stephen (90) of Tampa, Florida is saddened to announce his passing on July 13, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Born September 10, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan, he enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduating high school and proudly served our country for 25 years; taking every opportunity to advance rank and eventually retire as a lieutenant colonel with a master’s degree in mathematics from Colorado State University.

A competitive man of honesty and integrity, he enjoyed golf and lived an austere lifestyle, always advocating personal fiscal responsibility. His prickly pear persona sometimes made him appear curmudgeonly, earning him the moniker of “grumpy Grandpa”. In sharp contrast to that nickname his actual friendly, helpful, outgoing personality led him to years of volunteer service and will not be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.

Edward was preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years and the mother of his five children, Greta Jeanene (Snedeker), his second wife Mary (Lorenz), his parents Carmen and Henry, his brothers and sisters Joyce Francisco, Robert, Nancy Asam, Lawrence, and Barbara Balose. He is survived by his sister Marlene Prior and sons David, Thomas (Susan), Michael (Laura), William (Joy) and Edward, Jr. (Paige); his grandchildren, Brianna, Thomas, Gregory, Michael, Isaac, Emily, Meridith, Peter, David, Henri, Jacob, Madeline, Sarah, Henry; and 21 loving great-grandchildren.

Edward will be interred in a private ceremony at Bushnell National Cemetery with military honors due to him. In lieu of flowers, we believe he would have liked it if you would please invest your money wisely, or pay down any debt you might owe.

We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.