Stephen Haley

Stephen Edward Haley, 79, passed away on September 23, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, wisdom, and more people who considered him a friend than he probably ever realized. Born in West Plains, Missouri, to Zorabelle and Harold Haley. Stephen spent his early life in Mountain View Missouri, and while he eventually made his home in Texas, a piece of his heart always remained in the Missouri Ozarks. Stephen proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. It was upon his return from war that he met and married the love of his life, Janet K. Haley. They were happily married for fifty-seven years, building a family and a life filled with love, perseverance, and countless memories.

Following his military service, he built a successful career in the medical technology field, eventually becoming a traveling consultant. His work took him to many places and introduced him to countless people. No matter where he traveled, he had a way of making connections that lasted long after the job was finished. To know Stephen was to know that family came first. He is survived by his son, Scott Haley, wife Cari Glitz Haley. His daughter Stephanie Haley Trevino, husband Louis Trevino. Grandchildren Jenna Smith, Samantha Smith, Louis R. Trevino, Bailey Haley, and Tori Remington. Great grandchildren Eli, Evelyn, and Eloise.

Stephen was immensely proud of his growing family. He loved watching each generation find its own path, and he admired the determination, drive, and strength they share. Nothing made him happier than seeing his family succeed. He was always ready to offer a little advice when he thought they might benefit from it, and Stephen was very good at giving advice.

He was honest, fair, kind, and, perhaps most importantly, he listened. Friends and family knew that if they had a problem they could always sit down to talk with Stephen. Knowing no matter what you were facing you would walk away feeling heard and a little better about the situation. He had a gift for sharing his knowledge without making you feel like you were being lectured—although, if you knew him well enough, you also knew that you were probably going to hear his opinion eventually. He loved woodworking and enjoyed teaching others what he knew. He believed in passing knowledge along rather than keeping it to himself. His willingness to help, teach, and share became one of the many ways he left a lasting impression on the people around him.

Stephen also had a special place in his heart for First Presbyterian Church in Mountain View, Missouri. He always considered it home, regardless of where life happened to take him. And then there was the Jacks Fork River. Stephen didn’t simply enjoy the river. He was, by his own proud declaration, a river rat. The river was a place where he was completely at home—a place for memories, laughter, family, and the simple pleasures that made life worth living. Anyone who knew Stephen knew that the phrase “river rat” wasn’t merely a joke. It was a title he wore proudly.

Stephen leaves behind much more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves behind the lessons he taught, the stories he told, the problems he helped solve, the things he built with his hands, and the countless people who were better for having known him. Most of all, he leaves behind a family who loved him deeply. For almost sixty years Janet was beside him. His children and grandchildren grew under his watchful eye growing wiser and better people with his guidance and unwavering love. His great-grandchildren became the newest chapters in a family story he was so proud to see continuing. Stephen lived a life of service, hard work, curiosity, friendship, and family.

He taught people.

He helped people.

He listened to people.

He loved people.

We like to imagine he’s found a riverbank, a comfortable chair, a good piece of wood to work on, and a few people who need some advice. Knowing Stephen, he’s probably already given them some.

Instead of saying goodbye, we his family would rather say, thank you, Dad. Thank you for the lessons, the stories, laughter, advice, and most of all the love we shared. We were so lucky to have you. A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at Trinity Grace Church in Mansfield, Texas on November 7th, 2026, at 10:30am. Interment to be in the DFW National Cemetery.