Stephen was a lifelong resident of Enville and a 1995 Marietta High School graduate. He was an avid sports fan, but a true standout on the football field and took pride in playing for the Indians under the Friday night lights. After meeting on a blind date, Stephen married the love of his life and best friend, Courtney Mesker, on September 14, 1996 in Dallas, TX. He and Courtney were both members of Hilltop Baptist Church in Kingston, OK. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, but his true passion was fishing, whether it was trips with his friends, taking his boat out on the lake, or pond-hopping on the family land. Stephen was the biggest supporter and fan of whatever sport or activity his four boys were involved in. He never missed a game, a cross country or track meet, even their band concerts. Stephen had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He was a huge “cut-up” who loved joking with anyone and everyone. Stephen was an employee of the Michelin plant in Ardmore for almost 23 years. His strong work ethic and sense of humor allowed him to excel in any department or position he held and helped him make many friends over the years who respected him and his focus on the job.

 

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Courtney Vinson of the home; his four sons, Ethan Vinson of Durant, OK, Garrett Vinson of Marietta, Connor Vinson of Norman, OK, and Wyatt Vinson of the home; his parents, Roy and Suzie Vinson of Enville; grandmother, Mary Vinson of Lone Grove, OK; sister, Stephanie Cottrell and husband Kelly of Blanchard, OK; brother, Brock Vinson and wife Sheree of Newcastle, OK; three nieces, five nephews, and one great-nephew.

 

Preceding him in death are his paternal grandparents, Marshall and Iva Vinson; maternal grandparents, Ed and Mary Bray; and mother-in-law, Barbara Mesker.

Serving as casket bearers are Jeff Vinson, Tommy Vinson, Josh Kirk, Brian Garner, Kevin Garrett, and Tim McCann. Honorary bearers are his four sons, Ethan, Garrett, Connor, and Wyatt Vinson, Brock Vinson, Kelly Cottrell, Josh Turner, and Barrett Cottrell.

 

Services for Stephen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Marietta’s First Baptist Church with Pastor Shane Norton officiating and Larry Hicks assisting. Interment will follow at the Lebanon Cemetery under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home of Marietta. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.