Van Wesley Stephenson was born November 4, 1953 in Hamilton, Ohio. He was the son of Thomas D. and Thelma Stephenson. He married Karen on October 11, 1975 and they were married until his death from melanoma on April 8, 2001 in Nashville, Tennessee. Van and Karen had three children. Katherine was born November 23, 1975 and married Josh Dodson. Julie was born October 12, 1980. Wesley was born February 21, 1982. Van was a singer, songwriter and a minister, having had graduated from seminary school. His first chart hit was for Crystal Gayle in 1979 with “Your Kisses Will”. Many of the songs Van wrote were recorded by Restless Heart. Van had nine BMI Award-winning songs: “All My Life” Country/Pop/Million-Air; “Almost a Memory Now” Country/Million-Air; “Big Dreams in a Small Town” Country/Million-Air; “Bluest Eyes in Texas” Country/Million-Air; “Heartbreak Kid” Country Award; “If the Fall Don’t Kill You” Country Award; “‘Til I Loved You” Country/Million-Air; “You’ve Got a Good Love Comin’” Country Award; “Your Kisses Will” Country Award.