Midland-based privately-held exploration and production company Endeavor Energy Resources is mourning the loss of its founder and chairman of the board, Autry C. Stephens. Stephens passed away on August 16 at the age of 86.
According to a company-issued press release, Stephens grew up on a farm in the north-central Texas town of De Leon and went on to serve in the armed forces and work as a wildcatter.
An alum of the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Stephens held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in petroleum engineering.
Stephens moved to Midland after commencing his career with Humble Oil and Refining Company, establishing a sole proprietorship in 1979 that would become Endeavor, according to the release.
Endeavor stated that Stephens "is remembered as a Top Hand, Wildcatter, Oil and Gas Hall of Famer, and dear friend who will always be known for his humility, courage, determination, and resiliency."
The release noted that Lyndal Stephens Greth, who previously served as vice chairman, will succeed Stephens as Chairman of Endeavor’s Board of Managers.
U.S. News & World Report reported that Stephens was born in 1938. Funeral arrangements are still being made.