May 7, 1958 – July 26, 2021
On July 26, 2021, Peter Mon Stephens, better known as Dr. Pete, was found passed away peacefully in his home of over thirty years in Friendswood, TX at the age of sixty-three. He was born on May 7, 1958 to Hershel and Mary Stephens on the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, AK.
Dr. Pete was preceded in death by his grandparents: Hershel Sr. and Maude Stephens of Chipley, Florida; Peter and Frances Verzillo of Syracuse, New York; parents: Hershel, Jr. (Sonny) and Mary Stephens of Chipley, Florida; ex-wife and son’s mother: Joni Jacoby of Friendswood, TX.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Michael and Shelby Stephens and grandchildren (Victoria, Cole, and Hazel) of Friendswood, Texas; brothers and sisters: Mark (Karen) Stephens of Sevierville, TN; Karen (Chuck) Ponce of St. Augustine, Florida; Paul Stephens of Chipley; Linda (Matt) Arrant of Westville, Florida; many family members and friends.
Dr. Pete was a staple of the Friendswood community where he practiced Chiropractic for over thirty-five years. You would find him each day greeting patients with a warm smile and a pat on the back saying, ‘Come on back, you want a heat pack?’. Healing people was his life and passion and he would do it for free without a question asked. He treated patients with a smile on his face up to the very end of his life, doing what he loved. He was a kind and self-less man with the biggest heart for helping others. Whether he knew you for thirty minutes or thirty years you were a friend of Dr. Pete for life.
He worked extremely hard to provide for the family he loved. He would work full days adjusting patients then throw on sweaty work clothes to spend countless hours building and creating his next great masterpiece. He was a kid at heart with a limitless imagination and a passion to learn and invent. Like a carpenter carries a toolbox, Dr. Pete carried everything he could possibly need in his oversized denim pockets. Though not formally trained in engineering or construction, he designed and fabricated some of the most amazing structures for work and play.
He was a family man all the way. From a young age he loved spending time with his parents, siblings and cousins. He was very proud to be a part of the Stephens family. Most importantly he was a great father to his only son. He was made to be a father. He wore it like a badge of honor. He sacrificed endlessly for his family and worked to provide every need.
There is a major hole in all our hearts. The space will never be filled. We are all better people for knowing such a great man and he will be forever missed.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on August 20, 2021 at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546, (281) 992-7200, with Rev. Jerry Stark officiating.
We have set up a donation fund to get a park bench with placard and oak tree planted in our local park, Stevenson Park, in his honor. See link below if you would like to contribute:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/527178818600984/
Condolences may be sent to the Stephens family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
“The doctor of the future will give no medication but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease”—Thomas A. Edison
13 thoughts on “Peter Mon Stephens”
Mike and Shelby,
I know no words can help the hurt or fill that big hole in your hearts, but know that I send love to you both. Mike, I know your dad had to be so extremely proud of you and I'm sure he thanked God every day for you, Shelby. Someday the memories that make you cry today will make you smile. Give yourselves all the time you need to get there.
Love you guys,
Momma D
The Stephens family were neighbors and great friends of my family for many years in Chipkey, Florida. The stories of Pete's legacy remind me of how generous his parents were also. Pete had that same kind heart as we all grew up together. Pete recruited all of us to play on his 1978 city league volleyball team and named us That Team when we couldn't decide on a team name. Pete's quick wit and kindness will be always be remembered by the neighborhood kids on South Boulevard. Our condolences to Pete's precious son and family, Mark, who was my classmate, Karen, Linda and Paul.
Mike,
Your father was a very special man. He was so warm to us and he was always glad to see us come in. I know that he helped many without any payment. What a gem her was! So sorry for your great loss but carry those memories close to your heart and share them with his grandchildren.
So sorry to learn of your Father’s unexpected death. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Bert Roberts family
Chipley , Fl.
Michael..I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I just now found out by scrolling for a neighbor, whose service is being held today. Like your mom, your dad was taken too soon. Please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt hugs, sweetheart. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
– Valerie Marzullo (friends of your parents when we were young and first arrived in Texas back in 1981. I worked with your mom at the bank, and your dad was enrolled at TCC in Pasadena.)
My family and I have known Dr. Pete since the early 1980's. I was the main one that saw him since my husband passed in 2007. When I started seeing him for my terrible back problems, we hardly ever let me pay him. My husband smoked briskets so I started bringing Dr. Pete one for payment. He always enjoyed them.. I have NEVERs gone to a Dr. like him, such a wonderful, thoughtful, and caring man of God. It shown through his works. He will greatly be missed. Prayers for his son and family. Linda, Jeff, and Julie Gibson Pearland , Texas
We have known Dr. Pete for the past 20 years both as a friend and professionally.
Dr. Pete was always interested in what he could do for you to relieve your pain and discomfort with his fabulous chiropractic skills. One client of mine summed it up best when she stated that “he possessed a magical pair of hands” that eliminated the pain and agony. He would see patients if needed in the middle of the night without any care about reimbursement for his services.
Without questions, Dr. Peter Stephens was a legend in his own time and will be missed by everyone whoever came in contact with him.
Michael, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Melinda and Pete Ruman
I don’t know you Michael but your dad’s family was a part of my family’s life growing up in Chipley, Florida. Your dad, grandmother, and aunts and uncles attended Saint Joseph Catholic Church with my family. I always loved seeing your beautiful family walk in and sit at the front. I am older than your dad but I remember him as very kind person with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Michael I doubt you remember me but my husband pastored Friendswood Baptist Church until his death 13 years ago…your dad, Dr.Pete treated me and my husband many years and beyond his healing hands he was dear to our hearts. No father could have been prouder of a son than yours. You were the joy of his heart. He was a sweet gift to our town and will be deeply missed. God hold you and yours closer until we meet again.
Sincerely,
Faith (Mrs.Rick) Austin
We'll never forget Dr. Pete. Such a beautiful soul. I'll always be thankful to Mike for bringing our families together.
I went to school with Pete. I came across this news as I was looking at the class’s reunion plans and saw his name. It brought such a smile to my face until I realized the symbol beside his name meant he had passed. He was such a kind and thoughtful young man that had the smile of a gentle soul. I ask God to comfort his family.
Peter was always kind and positive. Great classmate over many years in Chipley. What a great legacy!
Michael,
(This is long, but your father was a very close and special friend to me.)
Yesterday was such a shock – I just stood in his office unable to speak. My dear, dear friend, Dr. Pete, is up there in Heaven, probably greeted by my wife, Sally, who passed away just a few weeks ago. I remember our first meeting in the 1980's. He even called me his pastor. I pastored two churches in the Friendswood area along with owing a steel supply company. He came into our small steel supply company and said that he needed some steel for an invention. We talked for a long time, and he told me he was a Chiropractor. My eyes lit up since I had been hurt in the Army, and I simply asked him how would you like to do some trading. I would provide all the steel he needed if I could come in for a few Chiropractor visits. (I'm sure there are many other stories of others doing the same thing with this perfect of a gentleman, Dr. Pete.). He said, "we've got a deal." Thus started a very good friendship of over 40 years. Many times I would take him out to eat. Other times I would give him money – (he wouldn't take it so I had to just shove it in his shirt pocket.). Michael, what a precious, dear, kind, considered father you have. He and I prayed together many times, and by simply asking God to forgive us of our sins, as Pete had done, we are assured that we will see Dr. Pete again in Heaven, along with other loved ones and friends who are forgiven Christians. Lastly, Michael, I'm going through the same grieving time as you with my Sally changing her address to Heaven, but it is very comforting to know that I have made my plans to see the Savior, Jesus, some day…. along with my wife, and my tremendous friend, Dr. Pete. Praying for you and your family.