Coley Gaston Stephens of Dothan passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born on February 11, 1933, in Bascom, FL. Known as Gaston to the Stephens family, Coley to his friends, and Papa to his grandchildren, he was the thirteenth and final child of Wesley Stephens and Nonie Emily Helms Stephens. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and later worked as a barber in Dothan for over forty years. He married Gayle Benton in 1955, and they were married until her death in 2021. They were long-time members of Grandview Baptist Church, where he served at various times as deacon and church treasurer. He loved playing dominos, doing word search puzzles, and telling “dad jokes.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, his twelve siblings and their spouses, his wife, Gayle, and his infant daughter Nancy Jo Stephens.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Owens of Hattiesburg, MS; his son, Ken Stephens (Julie), of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; grandchildren, Kyndal and Blakely Owens, Coley Schillinger (Stephen), and Sam Stephens; his beloved great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff of Somerset and Whitehall Assisted Living for their love and care during his final years, other caregivers, and Gentiva Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Grandview Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Grimes officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.
The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Grandview Baptist Church, the International Mission Board (SBC), or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida.
