Stephen J. Stephens, Sr.

Stephen Joseph Stephens Sr., died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 29, 2024, at age 82. 

He was a great man, although not famous, he was great in more important ways: in his ability to tell silly jokes or make a goofy face when appropriate which, he believed, was almost always; in his reliably firm hand on the shoulder of a friend in need; in his constant love and support for his family, which he never hesitated to show and express. 

He was born on Forth of July 1941, as the biggest war of the 20^th century was igniting, and left on Leap Day 2024 with the world not seeming to have learned much. As a Columbus Police Officer and Sergeant for 25 years, he saw a lot of the bad side of human nature. But he never lost his belief in the possibility of justice and in a brighter future for his four children, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. 

He was a good storyteller. He frequented blackjack tables and prime fishing holes. He was not an extremely religious man, but he was always seeking truth and died with an open Bible in his hands. 

His favorite book, however, was “The Old Man and the Boy” about a grandfather who taught his grandson to hunt, fish and to love and respect nature. He was our ”Old Man,” passing on his own love of nature to three generations of descendants. 

He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was full of wisdom, and as he walked his path in life he walked it with a growing family full of love, love he nurtured and cherished and returned in full – a very great man, indeed, in all the ways that count. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Stephens and Kathryn (Crown) Imperial; by wives Bette (Bailey), and Sandy (Cordle), and by his beloved grandson Tronny Monahan. 

He is survived by children and their spouses Steve Stephens Jr. and Diana Lockwood, Shaun and Tina (Howland) Stephens, Becky and Jeff Martin, Shad and Beth (Crawford) Stephens; by 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and by his sister Kim Thompson.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 4:00pm, for family and dear friends at the Home of Becky and Jeff Martin, 299 E. Columbus Street, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, 43143.