Wayne Stephenson

Wayne Stephenson, 86, of Willow Springs, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2013, while at the Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs. Wayne was born on April 27, 1926, in Hutton Valley, Missouri to Irvan and Ida (Green) Stephenson. Mr. Stephenson proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II where he served in the Philippines and Korea. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. On January 17, 1945, he married Helen Boyer in Salem, Arkansas. He later worked for the Missouri State Highway Department retiring in 1987 after 35 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Ingomar Lodge No. 536 A.F.&M. in Willow Springs where he was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite, and the Shriners. Wayne was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and was an honorary dugout coach alongside Tony La Russa during the St. Louis Cardinals game with the Springfield Cardinals on April 2, 2005. He loved to fish and hunt and spent many hours enjoying the outdoors while teaching his sons how to be safe, successful hunters and fisherman. Wayne will be missed by his family and friends. Mr. Stephenson is survived by his three sons, Mike Stephenson and his wife Clara of Jefferson City, Greg Stephenson and his wife Vicky of Springfield, and Terry Stephenson and his wife Jeanine of Effingham, Ill. He is further survived by seven grandchildren, Julie Gugel, Caleb Stephenson, Tony Stephenson, Veronica Aichele, Wayne Stephenson, Lauren Stephenson, and Lindsey Stephenson; four great-grandchildren, Michaela Gugel, Eliana Aichele, Alex Aichele, and Gaddie Stephenson. He was preceded in death by Helen, his loving wife of 66 years; three brothers, Clyde, Earl and Leonard; five sisters, Lillian Stephenson, Grace Lowe, Hazel Frazee, Alice Medley and Berta Cobbs. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. at the Willow Funeral Home, located at 106 E. Third Street in Willow Springs. Burial with military honors will follow the service at the Willow Springs City Cemetery.