Hursel Stephenson

Hursel Stephenson Jr. was born on September 11, 1927, in Denver, Colorado to Hursel Stephenson Sr. and Myrtle Gran. He was raised by his mother, Myrtle, along with his siblings, Marguerite, Betty Lou, and Gerald Austin Grant, in the 'Five Points' neighborhood of Denver. He continued to live in Denver the remainder of his life. He was well-known and loved as the man with the sly smile and quick wit, whose dry jokes seemed to sneak up and wash over you before you ever knew what happened. Hursel attended Whittier Elementary, Cole Junior High and Manual High. He was proud to have been a member of the United States Army, serving during WWII. He was well versed in world religions and enjoyed long conversations on topics of religion and philosophy. One of his favorite things to do was to collect books, antiques and other treasures. One look at his long-time home at 2411 Clarkson Street in Five Points and you immediately knew, Sanford and Son had nothing on him. He loved all animals; however, a very special few… four dogs and thirty four cats loved him unconditionally and understood his special Dr. Doolittle-like language. He was a regular at Pete's Greek Town Restaurant on Colfax Avenue. In his early days, Hursel spent many hours honing his skills with a pool cue and eventually became known as Denver's best pool shark at the La Paz Pool Hall and Social Club in Five Points. For years, he held that record and couldn't be beaten! Hursell will be remembered by family and friends for never saying goodbye "he would always say, see you later alligator." He lived his last days at the St. Paul Assisted Living Community in Denver where he was lovingly cared for by his niece, Sandra Francis and the nursing staff. Affectionately known as Steve by his good friends or Uncle Jr. and Uncle "Doo Doo" by his family, quietly passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2015. Hursel is survived by his nieces; Mable Jimi Rae Choice of Stockton, CA, Sandra K. Francis of Aurora, Novuyo Masakhane of Pasedena, CA and Sheldon D. Molock-Porter, Durham, NC and his nephew; Earl Raymond Scott, Denver, CO; his sister in law, Dorothy Grant of Denver as well as a host of grand and great nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Hursel Stephenson, we celebrate your life. You will surely be missed!

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 9/9/2015 - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 9/14/2015 at 9:30 AM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 West Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 9/14/2015 at 9:30 AM Including a Salute of Honor by the US Army Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO