William "Bill" Samuel Stephens
William “Bill” Samuel Stephens, Sr., 93, of Springfield, died at 3:45 pm, Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at his home. He was born September 25, 1918 in Greensburg, KY, the second son of Willie Porter and Leddie Ann Parnell Stephens. He married Clarice Squires in 1936 in Kentucky and she preceded him in death on December 27, 1997.
His parents, three brothers, three grandchildren, two sisters and one daughter, June Swallows also preceded him in death.
Survivors include six sons, Chet (Billie) Stephens of Berwick, IL, Don (Carole) Stephens of Springfield, Bill (Georgine) Stephens, Jr. of Springfield, Kenny Stephens of Flint, TX, Murrel (Linda) Stephens of Springfield and Greg (Kim) Stephens of Dawson, IL; four daughters, Wanda Saccaro, Betsy Kramzar, Joyce Smith and Rebecca Knoles all of Springfield; two sisters, Kay and Ada both of Kentucky; 27 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Stephens moved to Illinois in 1941 and worked on a farm for several years. He was ordained a Baptist Minister in 1946 and served as pastor for Baptist Churches in Tallula, Havana, Meredosia, Loami, Standard City, Raymond, Union Chapel and Bartonville. He also worked as a carpenter in his own construction company in Canton.
He enjoyed traveling, flea markets and carpentry work.
Visitation: 11 am – 1 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 1 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home with Chaplain John Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Home Services Hospice.
Maryanne Deering posted on 1/2/14
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. He was a very good friend of my mom and dad, Don and Mary White. Bill and Clarice was our pastors way back in the day in Wichita Falls Tx. Such fond memories. My mom and Clarice beco.e best of friends. Bill got my dad into flea markets. I remember Bill collecting pocket knives.