73, died June 16, 2023 at his home in Herculaneum. David was born August 29,1949 in St Louis to the late Vivian (Johnson) and Arzie Clayton Stephens. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Arnold where he served on the security team for many years. He held a 5th degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and was an NRA certified firearms instructor. David retired from AT&T as a Management Development Instructor. He portrayed Santa at The Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK for many years before hanging up his red cap.
David is survived by his wife of 53 years, Trina (Troutman) Stephens. He was Dad to Michelle (Scott) Hart and Jon Stephens (deceased) and Grandpa to Tyler (Ellissa), Devon, and Emily Hart and Lucas and Jacob Stephens. He is also survived by sister Tammy Stevens and siblings-in-law Nancy Troutman, Mary (Chris) Hutson, and Ed Troutman and twelve nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Jon, his parents, his in-laws Ralph and Delsie (Hedgcoth) Troutman, and his siblings Arzie Stephens, Jr., Sally Simpson, and Nancy Richey.
Visitation June 20, 5-8p, at Kutis Affton Chapel. Service June 21, 12p, First Baptist Church of Arnold, officiated by Pastor Kenny Qualls. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Mrs. Stephens, Michelle & Family,
Sending my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father. I’m so thankful for being able to call Mr. Stephens (and you all) my friend. And, I’ll always be grateful for his special Santa kindness to my sons. Praying that you all feel the peace from knowing that he is also at peace now.
Sincerely,
Jerri Birsinger
Dear Trina, Randy and I are so sorry to learn of this loss. Your faith family is grieving with you. We loved our Santa. Though he is absent from the body, thankful that he is present with the Lord. We send our prayers, love, and hugs.