Autry Carl Stephens (March 8, 1938 – August 16, 2024) was an American billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist who is best known for founding Endeavor Energy Resources based in Midland, Texas in 1979. In February 2024, it was announced that the company would be sold to Diamondback Energy for $26 billion, which ultimately put Stephens on the Forbes 400 list (2023).[2][3][4]
Autry Stephens | |
|---|---|
| Born | Autry Carl Stephens March 8, 1938 De Leon, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | August 16, 2024 (aged 86) Midland, Texas, U.S.[1] |
| Alma mater | University of Texas at Austin (BS, MS) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, investor, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1979–2024 |
| Known for | Founding and leading Endeavor Energy Resources |
| Spouse | Linda Stephens |
| Children | 2 |
Early life and education
editStephens was born March 8, 1938, in De Leon, Texas, one of five children to Martin Elmore Stephens, a watermelon and peanut farmer, and Hazel Lila Stephens (née Johnson; 1905–2011).[5][6] He earned his Bachelor of Science in 1961 and his Master of Science in 1962, both in Petroleum engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.[7]
Career
editStephens founded Endeavor Energy Resources in 1979. He remained a general partner of the LP.[8]
In February 2024, it was announced that the company would be sold to Diamondback Energy for $26 billion.[9][10]
Personal life and death
editStephens was married to Linda (née Nagy), with whom he had two children, Lyndal and Trey. Both are active in the family business.[citation needed]
Stephens died from prostate cancer in Midland, Texas, on August 16, 2024, at the age of 86.[11]
References
edit- ^ "Autry Carl Stephens 1938 - 2024". Legacy.com. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Meet oil's new king: 85-year-old Autry Stephens, raised by peanut-and-melon farmers and now worth $25.9 billion". Fortune. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ "Autry Stephens". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ Helman, Christopher. "Texas Wildcatter Hits Gusher In $26 Billion Sale Of Oil Company". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ United States Census, 1930, 1940
- ^ "Obituary | Hazel Stephens". Nowlin Anders Funeral Home. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ "Autry Stephens". Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering Department. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ "Autry C. Stephens". Endeavor Energy Resources, LP. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ Weise, Karen (12 February 2024). "Two Big Texas Oil Producers Announce $26 Billion Merger". New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ Morenne, Benoît (13 February 2024). "A Texas Oil Driller Banks a $26 Billion Deal, With Regrets". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ Autry Stephens, Endeavor Energy Founder Who Became Richest US Oilman, Dies at 86 Energy Connect