Eugene Stephens Sr.

Eugene Stephens, Sr. was born was born May 4, 1950, in New Orleans, LA to the union of the late Eugene Stephens and the late Elouise Lockett Stephens. Eugene accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the age of nine by the late Eddie Scott at Law Street Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA. He attended George Washington Carver Sr. High School, located in the ninth ward of New Orleans. He was loving called “Gene” by friends, family, and all that loved him. Gene served in the United States Airforce from 1968 – 1972. While enlisted in the Airforce, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He worked as an outside wire and antenna lineman. He and his teammates were responsible for astronauts traveling to the moon for the Apollo mission. This was something he took pride in the remainder of his life. He was first united in holy matrimony to June Allen Stephens, from which two sons were born; Eugene James Stephens, Jr. and Travis Patrick Stephens. Gene also shared one son with Tressi Moses; Eujohn Moses. On June 20, 1981, Gene was joined in holy matrimony to Gayle Mathilda Lockhart. To this union one son was born; Branden Tyler Stephens. Gayle and Gene were united in marriage for almost 44 years. Gene was a true entrepreneur. He owned several businesses. He was finally granted the chance of a lifetime to start and operate his very own record shop “The Music Closet” in the 1970s. The record shop is where he first met his everlasting love, Gayle. Later, he opened up “The Liquor Store”, located on the corner of North Galvez and Desire St. and “The Big Easy” nightclub. Gene was the Saints number one fan. He religiously watched every Saints game with enthusiasm, even when it was a losing season. He was also an avid car lover. Affectionately known as “Big Gene”, he was a mild-mannered spirit who loved his family. He adored his wife, Gayle and absolutely LOVED her cooking! His Legacy He leaves to cherish his loving memories his four sons, Eugene James Stephens, Jr. (Schnell), Travis Patrick Stephens, (Keisha), Eujohn Moses (Sabrina), and Branden Tyler Stephens, (Ashley). Twenty grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Eldridge Paul Stephens; one sister Barbara Jean Midkiff; three sisters-in-law; Arlene Stephens, Glendell Richardson, and Lois Lockhart; one brother-in-law, Larry Richardson, three god-children Bryan Russell, Ameka Cheatham-Martin, and Heather Goins Robinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; Eugene & Elouise Stephens, brother; Gregory Mark Stephens, great-grandson; Kaden Howard, and brother-in-law, Stephen J. Lockhart, Jr. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service honoring the life of Eugene Stephens, Sr. at Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125 on Wednesday April 30, 2025 at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am until 10:00am. Please join us by livestream at 9:50am by visiting www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live. Interment: Southeast LA Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, LA. Arrangements entrusted to Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Eugene Stephens Sr.

April 12, 2025