Michael Noble Stephens

Born in Russellville, Kentucky and raised in Dexter, Missouri, Michael Noble Stephens, aged 69 died June 15 unexpectedly in Anchorage, Alaska while on a long-awaited Alaskan family cruise.  Mike was the eldest of five children born to the late Noble Chester Stephens and Norma Joyce (Ayers) Stephens.  Mike enjoyed working closely with his father during his youth learning many “handy man” skills.  He was active in the Boy Scouts, earning the highest honor of Eagle Scout and later in various roles within the DeMolay.  He enjoyed attending Dexter High School, Dexter, Missouri, focusing his time on science and math related subjects and activities. Free time was spent riding bikes and in friendly competition with his brother Don playing Table Tennis and Frisbee.  After graduating from high school in 1974, Mike attended Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky and then Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, ultimately achieving dual master’s degrees in mathematics and nuclear physics. While at Florida State University, Mike had the opportunity and honor to study under Noble Prize-Winning Physicist, Paul Dirac. 

 

Mike decided to remain in Tallahassee, Florida after finishing graduate school and began his 40-plus years career with the Florida State Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control.  In 1989, he was introduced to the love of his life, Debbie Gerber, by a co-worker.  Debbie gave into Mike’s charms, and they were married in August of 1991. Mike and Debbie enjoyed building a new home, traveling and getting to know each other before their son, David Michael Stephens was born in 1994.  Always wanting two children, Debbie and Mike were blessed to travel in 1998 to Crimea (Ukraine) and by adoption, Sarah Jeanne Valentina Stephens made their family of four complete.  Together, they enjoyed traveling, visiting family, swimming in their pool, their church family and simply spending time with each other. Mike shared his love for physics and math with David, spending many hours in teaching opportunities and discussions.  

Mike’s strong faith remained evident throughout his life. He was a founding member of All Saints Anglican Church, Tallahassee, Florida, serving in many leadership roles in support of the church. He shared his faith and love for church service with Sarah.

 

As “empty-nesters”, Mike and Debbie enjoyed visiting local u-pick farms, learning to preserve food through canning and dehydrating, redecorating their home, cruising as often as possible, watching mystery and detective shows, attending college and city stage productions and visiting with family. 

 

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Debbie, Tallahassee, FL; son David, Tampa, FL; daughter Sarah, Tallahassee, FL; brother Don (Carol) Stephens, Willard, MO; sister Patricia Stephens-(Patrick) Skipper, Brooksville, FL and several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother John (Joan) Stephens, and sister Vicky Stephens. 

 

A memorial service is scheduled at All Saints Anglican Church, 3945 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303, Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:30am, ET.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name, to All Saints Anglican Church, Tallahassee, FL. 

 

Cremation services provided by the Cremation Society of Alaska.