Kerwin Stephens

Kerwin Burl Stephens, of Graham, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday September 2, 2026. Kerwin was born in Comanche County, Texas, on October 2, 1952, to George and Anna Ree Stephens. He grew up on the family farm where they farmed peanuts and raised cattle, and he learned the value of hard work early in life. Kerwin graduated from Gustine High School in 1970, where he enjoyed playing six-man football.

Kerwin completed his undergraduate education at Texas Tech University in 1975, and he married Gail Goebel in 1976. He then earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1978, where he excelled on the moot court team. He loved his Red Raiders and he seldom missed a Tech football game.

Upon graduating law school, Kerwin began a remarkable 49-year career as a lawyer, rancher, and independent oil and gas operator. Kerwin began his career practicing law in Lubbock and then moved his family to Graham in 1984. Shortly after moving to Graham, Kerwin followed his entrepreneurial spirit and decided to start his own law firm that eventually became Stephens and Myers, LLP. Kerwin was a brilliant and fearless lawyer whether it was in the courtroom or at the deal table. He referred to himself as a “small-town country lawyer”, but he handled everything from jury trials or transactional matters to high stakes appeals in front of the Supreme Court of Texas. He was a rare “jack of all trades”. He often represented the underdog but always found a way to level the field by being creative and out working the other side. He loved talking business and brainstorming strategy with colleagues at the officeand with his children over the phone on the drive home. Those that know him best, however, know that ranching is what he enjoyed the most. He took great pride in the quality of his Angus cross cattle, and he loved Saturdays driving around and checking pastures. One of his greatest legacies was introducing all his children to agriculture at a young age. He was determined to teach his children the virtues of hard work the same way it was taught to him. Unfortunately, working cattle with their Dad is where his children also learned their first curse words.

Kerwin was a loving father, and he had a special bond with each of his children in their own unique way. He also loved his SEVEN granddaughters dearly and he lit up with a smile whenever he saw them.

Kerwin is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronnie Stephens. He is survived by his three children and SEVEN granddaughters, all of whom he was so proud of. His son, Jarrod Lee Stephens and his wife, Laura Stephens, and their daughters, Willa and Hattie all of Graham, Texas; his son, Scott Joseph Stephens and his wife, Natalie Stephens, and their three daughters, Charlotte, Claire and Summer all of Midland, Texas; and his daughter, Cara Dziuda and her husband, Geoff, and their two daughters, Eve and Fallon all of Salt Lake City, Utah. Kerwin is also survived by many other family members,including his nephews, Rodney Stephens and Randy Stephensand their families whom he was especially close to. Kerwin also leaves behind countless partners, colleagues, employees, and clients who worked alongside him in his law practice, oil and gas projects, and ranching adventures. He loved them all dearly and they were always there for him. The Stephens Family isespecially thankful to the people in his office who helped take care of him over the years.

The Stephens family would like to invite all family and friends to celebrate Kerwin at a visitation held at Morrison Funeral Home in Graham, Texas on Friday, September 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. All are also welcome to join the family for a graveside service officiated by Rev. Bryan Patrick at Baggett Creek Cemetery near Gustine, Texas on Saturday, September 12th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either the Young County JuniorLivestock Show Association or First United Methodist Church of Graham.