Dennis Stephenson Obituary

Dennis Wayne Stephenson, 62, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma died Feb. 8 after suffering several years from liver cirrhosis.
The Oklahoma City native was practically James Bond, having traveled around the globe to countries like Brazil, South Africa, Sweden and United Arab Emirates, just to name a few. Whether it be Europe or the Middle East, Dennis had probably been there. His two favorite overseas locations included Budapest Hungary and Switzerland. Traveling was in his blood. And he was good at it.
But that wasn't the only thing he was good at. The 5-foot-11 FFA steer-showing champ was a self-taught genius. After working for some time in the oil field in the early 80's, Dennis discovered a newfound interest - one that he would teach himself. Dennis read book after book about computer programming.
In 1987, he became a programmer analyst for the Oklahoma Tax Commission, where he would work for several years. He gained expertise in enhancing computer systems for efficiency.
A learner at heart, Dennis worked in many countries as a computer programmer and information technology manager for 35 years. His positions included IBM Senior Systems Programmer, team lead in banking information technology, and team member on numerous advanced technology leadership projects. Dennis was a self-taught database specialist and computer systems expert; a skill that would take most common folk decades to comprehend.
About eight years ago, Dennis moved his New Balances back to Oklahoma City from New York. While he loved big cities, Oklahoma was always home.
Although he was likely the smartest person in every room, those around him would never know it unless they sparked a conversation with him. Dennis was a reserved man, who was easily befriended. He was an intellectual many found themselves drawn to.
He had a generosity rooted in humility. When Dennis opened his heart, you felt loved. That is what his family remembers.
Dennis is survived by his mother, Beatrice Stephenson; his sister, Kathy Humphrey and her husband, Ralph Humphrey; brother, Darren Stephenson and his wife Mandy Stephenson; two nieces, Tayler Humphrey and Haley Jourdan and her husband, Cameron Jourdan; and nephew, Kaeden Stephenson. Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Andrew L. Stephenson.
Dennis's funeral will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 18. at Barnes & Friederich Funeral Home, 1820 S Douglas Boulevard in Midwest City. Family and friends are invited to attend to celebrate Dennis's life. There will not be a graveside service afterward. A viewing will also be hosted by the funeral home from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 16. The family will greet visitors from 1 to 2 p.m.
Services will be livestreamed
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczOTMwNjE0NTM0OTU4MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
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