ENID, Okla. — October 10, 1969 – April 24, 2025
Bradley Don Stephens, age 55, of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away on April 24, 2025, in Oklahoma City due to natural causes. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, Brad’s life was marked by unwavering devotion to his family, a passion for helping others, and a vibrant spirit that uplifted all who knew him.
Brad was born on Oct. 10, 1969, in Midwest City, Okla., to Lloyd Ray Stephens and Patricia Lou (Dennis) Joiner. He was later raised by his mother and stepfather, Andrew “Jack” Joiner VI, in Oklahoma City and Kansas. Brad shared his childhood with a large and loving family, including many siblings and wonderful cousins.
He began his education at Putnam City West High School and graduated with the Class of 1987 from Ellinwood High School in Kansas. Bradley continued his academic and athletic journey at Garden City Community College during the 1987–1988 academic year, receiving a scholarship and playing football for the Garden City Broncbusters. He later attended Pensacola Junior College, earning a degree in General Studies, and ultimately completed his studies at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1997 with a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).
Bradley dedicated 25 years to the medical field, working as a Physical Therapist Assistant and providing specialized care to patients recovering from injury or illness. From 1997 to 2022, he served communities across Northwest Oklahoma and beyond, offering compassionate, hands-on therapy through home health services, assisted living facilities, and independent living settings. His work helped countless individuals regain their mobility, strength, and independence.
Brad’s life journey took him through several communities across the country. After beginning high school at Putnam City West and finishing at Ellinwood High School during the 1986–1987 school year, he pursued college and athletics at Garden City Junior College. In 1988, he welcomed his first child, Braden. Two years later, Brad met Tamra Borden in Watonga, Okla., and they were married on Feb. 14, 1991, in Hinton, Okla. Together, they built a loving home and a beautiful life.
In 1992, they moved to Pensacola, Fla., and welcomed their son Jacob. After Brad earned his undergraduate degree in 1994, the family relocated to Hinton, Okla., where twin sons, Cade and Camron, were born in December 1995. In 1997, the family returned to Fairview, Okla., where they raised their children. In 2017, Brad and Tamra settled in Enid, Okla., where he resided until his passing.
From an early age, Brad was full of energy and drive. He began playing football in elementary school and continued through college, earning Central Prairie All-League and 1st team All-State honors during his high school years. A true all-around athlete, Brad also participated in wrestling, track, and even cheerleading during high school, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
In the early and mid years of building his family, Brad was a devoted provider. For Brad, his greatest passion was his family. Whether in his professional career or personal life, he poured his heart into supporting others. During his children’s younger years, he could always be found cheering them on—whether in hospital waiting rooms, on the sidelines of the football field, in the bleachers at basketball games, or inside school gyms and auditoriums. His dedication continued throughout their high school and college years. A typical day in the 2000s saw Brad heading to work, then racing home to Fairview just in time for practices or to help his kids sharpen their skills. He never missed a practice, concert, robotics meet, track meet, or game. Though he was often his children’s toughest critic, he was always their loudest and most passionate supporter—shouting encouragement above the crowd for all to hear.
Brad was a vocal advocate for his family and community and loved using his gifts to uplift others. He spent many years sharing his talents in the communities he called home. A gifted singer, he often performed for his church families, participating in men’s quartets, praise and worship teams, choirs, and as a soloist. One of his most cherished traditions was singing “Mary, Did You Know?” whenever the opportunity arose—a tradition he carried on even months before his passing.
In his later years, Brad was an active member of Family Life Missions, where he found great joy in fellowship and friendship. He loved learning, especially reading scripture aloud in Bible studies, and he took great pride in watching his grandchildren grow. He attended Owen and Nolan’s T-ball and coach-pitch baseball games whenever he could, showing up with unwavering support—even when he was in pain.
Bradley was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Stephens, in 1989, and beloved pets Sherman and Patches.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Tamra Stephens of Enid, Okla.; children Braden Stephens of Enid, Okla.; Jacob and Haley Stephens of Newcastle, Okla.; Andrew Cade Stephens of Enid, Okla.; and Joseph Camron Stephens of Yukon, Okla. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Owen and Nolan Stephens of Enid, Okla., and Loden Stephens of Newcastle, Okla. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Patricia and Andrew “Jack” Joiner VI of Weatherford, Okla.; his parents-in-law, Johnnie and Vicki Borden of Hinton, Okla.; and his siblings Marilyn Yazel of Enid, Okla., Sandra Griffin of Enid, Okla., Eldon Stephens of Havana, Ark., Ginger Stephens of Allen, Okla., Scott Mead of Graham, Texas, Steffanie Joiner Hendricks of Mannford, Okla., Andrew “Jack” Joiner VII of Moore, Okla., Ty Joiner of Berryhill, Okla., Kevin “Casey” Joiner of Elk City, Okla., and Dennis “Kelly” Joiner of Weatherford, Okla.
Brad will be missed by his pets Duncan and Finlee, who brought him great comfort and companionship. Brad was a loving son, a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and the most adoring “Poppy” to his three grandchildren. His presence, encouragement, and voice will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Brad’s life will be 11 a.m., May 31, at Family Life Missions 112 W. Randolph, Enid, OK 73701. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brad’s memory to Family Life Missions.
Funeral arrangements provided
Neptune Society
3248 S Broadway, Suite 160
Edmond, OK 73013
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 10, 2025
