Elmer Lewis StephensDallasElmer Lewis Stephens died peacefully in Dallas, Texas on Oct. 10, 2017, at the age of 86 from cancer.Lewis was born on Sept. 28, 1931, on the Stephens Ranch in Concho County, Texas. He graduated from Eden High School in 1948 and enrolled at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. While a freshman, Lewis enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard and served as a field artillery sergeant. He graduated in 1952 with a BA Degree in Government and entered Army active duty where he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Armored Infantry. Lewis spent a total of 35 years in the United States Army, holding command positions at the platoon, company, battalion, brigade and division levels. He retired in January of 1985 at the rank of Major General.On Jan. 25, 1958, Lewis married Nancy Francis of Dallas and they had two children, John and Elizabeth. They spent 42 wonderful years together until her death on Jan. 8, 2000, from cancer. On Nov. 24, 2001, he married another Godly woman, Barbara Kirkham of San Angelo and had a happy marriage that lasted for 16 years.He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Francis Stephens; parents Elmer L. and Olive Stephens; sisters Johnny Lee Stephens Pitts and her husband, Colonel (R) Charles Pitts, Varina Ray Stephens and Virginia Stephens James; and brothers-in-law Brigadier General (R) Jack T. Martin and Judson C. Francis Jr.Lewis is survived by his wife, Barbara Kirkham Stephens, of Dallas; son John M. Stephens II and his wife, Emily Campos Stephens of Dallas; daughter Elizabeth Stephens Wickham and husband Brad of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren John M. Stephens III and Christopher R. Stephens of Dallas and Kate Wickham and Anna Wickham of Wichita, Kansas; sister Shirley Stephens Martin of San Antonio, Texas; step-daughter Sharon K. Pyle and husband Wayne of Tulsa, Oklahoma; step-sons Mark D. Kirkham and wife Tena of Pettus, Texas and Douglas K. Kirkham and wife Toni of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brothers-in-law Gerald R. James of Dallas and Louis D. Francis and wife June of University Park, Texas; sister-in-law Bettie Francis of Highland Park, Texas; close personal friends Joe and Irene Campos and Jim Clutts and Betty Rogers of Dallas; and a host of nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.Viewing is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Eden Funeral Home with graveside service at 1 p.m. in Eden City Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Eden Funeral Home, 231 North Main Street, Eden, TX 76837, (325) 869-2121.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Dallas Pathway to Victory or Criswell College of Dallas.