Stephen Anthony Acord, of Bedias, Texas, passed away on October 24, 2026, in Bedias, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on October 15, 1938, in Houston, Texas, and lived a long life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep love for the land.

After graduating from high school, Stephen attended both Sam Houston State University and San Jacinto College. He later made a life in Bedias, where he had lived since 1969 after coming from the Klein community in Houston. Over the years, he became a familiar and respected presence in the community through a life of steady labor and service.

Stephen was a dairyman for thirty-one years, then served Grimes County as Justice of the Peace for sixteen years. Even after retirement, he continued doing what brought him fulfillment, working as a rancher and cattleman. He loved his cattle and the land on which they grazed, and he found joy in baling and cutting hay, plowing fields, and doing anything that kept him outdoors. Working gave Stephen ultimate fulfillment. He was not an idle person, and being on his ranch was where he was happiest. True to that lifelong spirit, he had raked his last hayfield just last year before his health began to fail.

He was also a member of Bedias Masonic Lodge #651. Yet among all the roles he held and all the work he accomplished, Stephen’s proudest accomplishment was his family and the memories they shared together. That love shaped his life and remains his enduring legacy.

Stephen is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Acord of Bedias. He also leaves behind his children: Damon Acord and his wife, Jill of Madisonville, Stephanie Fairhurst and her husband, Robbie of College Station, and Chris Acord and his wife, Tiffany of Bedias. His family continued to grow through the generations, and he was blessed with grandchildren Austin Acord and his wife, Haley of Madisonville, Allie Wenzel and her husband, Collin of Madisonville, Audrey Aegerter and her husband, Kane of Kansas City, Missouri, Ryan Fairhurst of Georgetown, Payton Acord and his wife, Adriana of Bedias, and Colter Acord of Bedias and his fiancée, Emma. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Blaine Wenzel and Kord Wenzel of Madisonville, and Case Acord of Bedias, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. The family he cherished so deeply will carry forward the lessons of his example, the strength of his love, and the many memories made together.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Hoyt (Wichman) Acord ; his father, Benjamin Franklin Acord, Sr.; his sisters, Anastasia Knight and Penny Walsh; his brother, Franklin Acord; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leslie and Carrie Lewis.

The Acord family wishes to thank Luminos Hospice, especially Kam, Kimberly and Andrea, for the compassionate care given to Stephen during his final days.

Visitation for Stephen will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10 A.M., also at Madisonville Funeral Home. Doug Jones will officiate the service.  Burial will follow in Bedias Methodist Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Austin Acord, Ryan Fairhurst, Payton Acord, Colter Acord, Collin Wenzel, Kane Aegerter

Honorary Pallbearers:  Leon Klenk, Tony Atzenhoffer, Carl Brown

Stephen Acord will be remembered as a man who found dignity in work, peace in the outdoors, and his greatest joy in the family he loved so well. His life was one of commitment, perseverance, and quiet strength, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.