Kyle G. Stephenson

Kyle Garner Stephenson of Abilene, Texas passed away in an automobile accident on
Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the age of 63. Kyle was born on December 30, 1959 in Midland,
Texas to Roger Lynn Stephenson and Patsy Gene (LaFontaine) Rowland. He grew up in
Midland during a time when oil was big and life was simple. Kyle was gregarious, fun and
passionate about everything he was a part of. He had many friends and was well respected for
his ability to successfully compete in any sport, but landed on what became his passion – golf.
When Kyle was 16 yrs old, during a Father/Son tournament with his step-father Rex Rowland,
he shot a 64 at Midland Country Club. From the white tees, Kyle held this MCC course record
for many years. He then graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1978, and in 1983
received a BA in Advertising with a Minor in Geology degree from Texas Tech University.
Kyle was an accomplished amateur golfer throughout his life. He was a Starting Five 3-year
Letterman on the Lee High School Varsity golf team from 1976–1978, where he made the 5-4A
All District team each year. Kyle’s high school golf team held the District scoring record for
decades (if not still to this date). He furthered his golf career with a full athletic scholarship to
Texas Tech University and participated in many Division One collegiate golf tournaments.
Continuing on to play, Kyle won many golf tournament partnerships with good friends
throughout his life.
In 1983, Kyle married Susan Lea Dakil and they had two children together – Ryan and Taylor.
He loved his children deeply and found immense pride in all their achievements. He passed on
his innate athleticism and competitive nature to his children, which played a big role in the many
things they accomplished.
Kyle spent many years in radio and television advertising as an Account Executive and enjoyed
the aspect of meeting new people and making friends, as well as the sport of making a sale. He
never wanted to sit behind a desk, so the years he worked as a Petroleum Landman were spent
out in the field and making a deal. He genuinely loved people.
Kyle was also an avid hunter from the time he was a young boy throughout his life and was
known for his keen vision and marksmanship. He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed
the serenity of hunting and the peacefulness of communing with God, friends, and Mother
Nature.
Although always a believer, Kyle fully accepted Christ on a Walk to Emmaus with his brothers
Brad, Britt and father, Roger in 1995. He continued to work on his relationship with Jesus and
had a strong loyalty for those he loved. He was a member of First Christian Church of Eastland,
TX. Kyle was kind, intelligent and compassionate. He was known to “give you the shirt off his
back” if he deemed you needed it more than him.
Kyle is survived by his son Ryan Rowland and wife Heather of Midland, TX; daughter Taylor
English and husband Carter of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Rhett, Parker, Hunter and Rose
Rowland of Midland, TX; Isabelle English of San Antonio, TX; mother of his children Susan
Thompson of Dallas, TX; father Roger Stephenson and wife Lynda of Eastland, TX; brothers
Brad Stephenson and wife Mindy of Eastland, TX, Britt Stephenson and wife Christie of
Houston, TX, Rex Rowland, Jr. of San Francisco, CA; and best friend Mike Stanfield of Marble
Falls, TX.
Kyle was predeceased in death by his mother Patsy G. Rowland, step-father Rex D. Rowland
and step-mother Sandra H. Stephenson.

Per his wishes, Kyle will be laid to rest in Eastland, Texas. The family thanks everyone for their
outpouring of love and support. For those desiring, donations in Kyle’s memory can be made to
the Brighton Center in San Antonio, - www.brightonsa.org/support-us/