Milton Stephens, 93, of Columbia, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Westlake Regional Hospital.
He was born on July 16, 1919 in Adair County and was the son of the late J.W. “Willie” and Mamie Wilcoxson Stephens.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Burton Stephens; two sons, Michael Lee Stephens and Anita Begley and Richard Wayne Stephens and his wife Marilyn Burton Stephens of Columbia; locally by one sister, Pauline Stephens Cheatham; four grandchildren, Chris Stephens, LaGene Sexton and her husband Mendel, Lee Stephens and his wife Lindsey and Ryan Stephens; and by four great grandchildren, Meridith Corbin, Hayley Stephens, Trey Stephens and Raegann Stephens.
Several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister, Johnny Stephens, C.C. Stephens, Billy Stephens and Ruth Grant.
Milton was a Christian and attended Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a farmer and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army and was awarded these honors: Decorations European Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, two Purple Hearts with one Oak Leaf Cluster, four wounds received in action in France and Germany, Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Medal.
He was also a member of VFW Post 6097 and a DAV member.
Funeral service was Tuesday, July 31 at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Pescosolido and Bro. Troy Long officiating with interment in Haven Hill Cemetery with full military honors by VFW Post 6097.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to Trinity United Methodist Church or Gideon Bibles and may be left at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were Chris Stephens, Lee Stephens, Ryan Stephens, Johnny Stephens, Jr., Steve Cheatham and Bobby Strange.
Honorary pallbearers were J.C. Stephens, Billy Stephens, Jr., Roger Stephens, Terry Stephens, Gary Grant, Dennis Stephens, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Adair, Robert Redmon, Trinity United Methodist Church fellowship class and Dennis Stephens.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements. Please visit www.stottsphelpsmcquearyfh.com.
