Thomas Edward Stephens; Oct. 28, 2011

Thomas Edward Stephens, 85, of Madison died Friday, Oct. 28.

Raised in south Alabama, Mr. Stephens joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17. After battle engagements in the Pacific theater during World War II, he was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked various jobs until beginning with NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960 in the Test Division. In 1970 he transferred to Space Science Laboratories until retirement in 1984. He was an active member at Madison Church of Christ.

Mr. Stephens was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lori Anne Stephens and daughter, Susan Stephens.

Survivors include his wife, Janie Lou; sons, Thomas E. Stephens, Jr. (Margaret) of Nashville, Tenn., and Stanley Stephens (Kathy) of Madison; brother, Charles Stephens of Montgomery; sister, Ina Ruth Clay of Montgomery; grandchildren, Christi Stephens Key (Chad) of Trussville, Corey Stephens (Misty) of Nashville, Tenn., and Megan Stephens (Randall Lagasse) of Nashville, Tenn.; great-granddaughter, Lindsey Anne Key; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Madison Church of Christ. The funeral service immediately followed with Mike Winkler and Dr. E. R. Brannan officiating. Burial was be in Huntsville Memory Gardens. Laughlin Service Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to World Mission, Madison Church of Christ, 556 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758.