Thomas Houser Stephen

.Thomas Houser Stephen passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 3, 2014. He was born to the late Mr. And Mrs. Oscar Stephen in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 20, 1929. Tom married his loving wife, Zell Bolden, on June 30, 1962 at Hillcrest United Methodist Church. Tom and Zell made their home in Warner Robins. Tom had attended the University of Alabama, participating in ROTC. He earned a degree in Industrial Engineering. Upon graduation, Tom joined military service and served in the Korean Conflict. A Courier, he delivered payroll to the troops. Once out of active duty service, he continued in the Army Reserves, teaching Command and General Staff school, and retiring with the rank of Lt. Col. Upon retirement from the Reserves, Tom worked at Robins Air Force Base, responsible for designing material handling systems for the base. For his work, he won several awards. Tom was an active member at Warner Robins First United Methodist Church since 1968. He served as chair of the Administrative Board, the Finance Committee, delegate to Annual Conference, and a member of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Tom was a cherished member of the Winmore Sunday School Class. Tom was predeceased by his mother and father. Survivors include his precious wife of 51 years, Zell; beloved daughter Elizabeth (Scott) Samojedny of Cantonment, Florida; grandchildren Dylan and Lindsay; sister Betsy (Garr) Williams, Savannah; brother William Stephen, Orange Beach, Alabama; cousins Mardee Houser, Destin, Florida; and Pam (David) Howard, Orange Beach, Alabama. The funeral service is scheduled for 2:30 PM, on Sunday, January 5, at Warner Robins First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Liberty United Methodist Church Cemetery in Macon. Visitation will be at Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, from 4 until 6 PM on Saturday, January 4. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warner Robins First United Methodist Church, 205 N.Davis Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31093 or Gentiva Hospice, 319 Margie Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Harts Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, is in charge of arrangements.