| Autry Stephens | |
| Birth Name: | Autry Carl Stephens |
| Birth Date: | 8 March 1938 |
| Birth Place: | De Leon, Texas, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Midland, Texas, U.S.[1] |
| Alma Mater: | University of Texas at Austin (BS, MS) |
| Occupation: | Businessman, investor, philanthropist |
| Years Active: | 1979–2024 |
| Known For: | Founding and leading Endeavor Energy Resources |
| Spouse: | Linda Stephens |
| Children: | 2 |
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]
Stephens 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]
Stephens 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]
Stephens was married to Linda (née Nagy), with whom he had two children, Lyndal and Trey. Both are active in the family business.
Stephens died from prostate cancer in Midland, Texas, on August 16, 2024, at the age of 86.[11]