|
Paul Lee "CQ" Stephenson passed away peacefully Thursday May 27, 2004 in Provo, UT. Paul loved his family, friends, travel and aviation. Aviation was not only his hobby, but his occupation as an air traffic controller at the Albuquerque Air Route Control Centre for 381/2 years when he retired in 1988. Paul's aviation love affair started in 1937 in Tampa, FL when he had his first airplane ride in a brand new Stinson Reliant. He joined the USAF after WWII and became a crew chief on the B-25 Mitchell Bomber. After a stint gassing planes at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, he landed the job he loved so much as an air traffic controller. He was an accomplished pilot and held numerous ratings; he was also a member of the Quiet Birdman ABQ Hangar and Staggerwing Museum Foundation. Through the years he owned many different aircraft but none more treasured than the Beechcraft Staggerwing. He and his family traveled all over the United States attending air shows and antique aviation gatherings. He was a co-chairman of the Antique Classic Judging at the EAA Convention in Oshkosh, WI for many years. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Hansen of Payson UT; sons, Larry K. Stephenson, Kevin L Stephenson and daughter, Karen L. Stephenson-Akers and husband, Timothy D. Akers, Sr. all of Albuquerque; step-daughters, Carrie Seline and husband, Doug of Phoenix, AZ, Becky Dewitt and husband, Doug of Mesa, AZ and Trudy Beehner and husband, Don of Kellogg, ID; and many grandchildren, a niece, nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law. Paul was preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years, Edith Lillian Stephenson. Paul's life will be celebrated with visitation at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Tuesday June 1, 2004, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. He will be buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, June 4, 2004, 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas Blvd., NE 87110. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
|
